10 years for attempting to kill unborn child

A man who stabbed his pregnant ex-girlfriend has received a sentence of ten years for attempting to destroy the life of a child.

Nicholas Leaning stabbed Lauren Oliver five times in the stomach following the breakdown of their relationship and her refusal to abort the baby.

He received a sentence of 19 years for wounding her with intent. The sentences will run concurrently.

Ms Oliver’s baby was safely delivered following an emergency Caesarean.

Passing sentence the Judge, Jeremy Richardson QC, told Mr Leaning: “You intended to kill that child and it is only good fortune that prevented the execution of that truly wicked objective.”

Commenting on the case, Andrea Williams said:

“This is indeed an horrific case and the sentence is entirely fitting. However, it also highlights the shocking inconsistency of our society’s attitude to unborn children.

“Every day hundreds of unborn are children are killed. Just last month, the head of Britain’s largest abortion provider celebrated the fact that seven million children have lost their lives since the passing of the Abortion Act – and suggested that abortion should be available as easily as contraception.

“Why does the law value this baby’s life so differently from all of theirs?” 
 

Related Coverage:
Cage fighter jailed for stabbing pregnant ex-girlfriend (BBC)