Fell runner appears in court accused of attempting to murder man who was stabbed at a stadium in Birmingham

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A champion fell runner who has represented England has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder a UK Athletics official.

Lauren Jeska, from Machynlleth in Powys, is accused of trying to kill Ralph Knibbs, who according to his LinkedIn profile is head of human resources and welfare at the sport’s British governing body as well as a former professional rugby player.



Jeska, 41, who according to online profiles was the women’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 English fell running champion and won the British Championship in 2012, allegedly stabbed Knibbs at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

She appeared at Birmingham magistrates court charged with attempted murder and unlawfully and maliciously wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm against two other men, Tim Begley and Kevin Taylor, who also work for UK Athletics.

She is further charged with being in possession of three bladed articles – a 12cm kitchen knife, 13cm kitchen knife and a bread knife.

Knibbs, 51, is in hospital in a stable condition, West Midlands police said. He is understood to have once played professional rugby for Bristol and played for England Under-23s.

Jeska spoke only to give her name, address and date of birth. She was remanded in custody by district judge Khalid Qureshi and will appear at Birmingham crown court on 25 April.

Jeska was listed as a member of the West Yorkshire-based Todmorden Harriers on the athletics club’s website.