Knife 'chipped partner's ribs'

Natalie Ford. Photo / Greg Bowker

Natalie Ford plunged a knife into her partner's chest so hard it chipped his ribs and left the skin bruised from the force of the blow, a court has heard.

Ford has pleaded not guilty to murdering Gary Marshall at Orewa last year. She has admitted stabbing him but says it was self-defence after she was punched, kicked and choked.

Crown prosecutor Mark Davies continued cross-examining Ford in the High Court at Auckland yesterday.

He quoted expert evidence from forensic pathologist Dr Michael Arnall, who had told the court it was difficult to see any injuries on Ford.

"Certainly your injuries were nothing compared to the knife wound you delivered to Gary Marshall," Mr Davies told Ford, who had said she had feared for her life as Mr Marshall put his hand around her throat.

Mr Davies asked her if her cuts and bruises were not in a different league to a knife wound.

"I don't know how to answer that, I'm sorry," Ford replied.

Mr Davies said all her injuries happened at the front door where a witness had described seeing Mr Marshall punch her in the face before bashing her head against the door frame.

Ford replied that she and Mr Marshall had not suddenly made up when they went back inside.

"We didn't just walk inside and hold hands."

Mr Davies said she was lying about being kicked on the ground, having her head bashed against the kitchen bench and being choked.

"You might regret it now but the truth is, in the heat of anger, you plunged the knife into his chest. You wanted him dead."

Ford replied: "No, not at all."

Mr Davies also questioned Ford about why she lied to police and ambulance staff when she told them Mr Marshall had stabbed himself.

Ford said it was "a stupid thing to say" but she was in shock and concussed from the beating.

The Crown and defence are due to sum up tomorrow.