Transgender female running champ to be detained in hospital after trying to ‘murder’ top UK Athletics official
Fell runner Lauren Jeska 'knifed' Ralph Knibbs amid fears she might be stripped of her titles due to an 'unfair advantage'
A FEMALE running champ who was born a man is set to be detained in hospital for trying to murder a top UK Athletics official.
Fell runner Lauren Jeska, 42, knifed Ralph Knibbs, 51, in a “premeditated and savage attack” amid fears she could be stripped of her titles.
Knibbs, UK Athletics' head of human resources and welfare, was left in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium in March.
Two of his colleagues suffered less serious injuries after stepping in to tackle Jeska.
She admitted two counts of having a knife in a public place, two of assault causing actual bodily harm and attempting to kill 51-year-old Mr Knibbs after what prosecutors said was a "disagreement with British Athletics officials."
Jeska, 42, was due to be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today but a judge was told further psychiatric reports were required.
Her barrister, Julie Warburton, told the court that the latest doctor's report "takes the view that a hospital order" would be needed, and before that Jeska would need further mental health assessments.
The judge also heard that it could be months before the final psychiatric reports were ready and Jeska, of Wesley Terrace in Machynlleth, Powys, could be sentenced.
Before the attack, it is understood a review was to take place into her status as a female athlete because Jeska had been born a man.
RELATED STORIES
Her titles could have been in doubt if UK Athletics ruled that she had had an unfair advantage while competing against women.
Jeska drove from her home in Wales to Birmingham athletics stadium and asked to speak to the victim.
She was asked to wait in reception but charged into the office and attacked Mr Knibbs with a knife.
Her brother Nick, 40, told The Sun she was in “mental torment” before the attack at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr.
He said his twin Tim died in front of a train in 2013, adding: “I had two brothers, but one became my sister and the other killed himself.
“What’s happened feels like a second death in the family. My parents and I are devastated.”
Since the attack, Jeska has been diagnosed with autism.
She was listed as a member of the West Yorkshire-based Todmorden Harriers the athletics club’s website.
It said she was the women’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 English Fell Running Champion and won the British Championship in 2012.
Judge Philip Parker QC adjourned the hearing until December 13.