Winchester man jailed after knife assault in domestic dispute
Justin Hardaway, 50, was sentenced to 19 months for assaulting Kerry Vincent, who stabbed him in self-defense. Vincent, already jailed for six months, faces parole review after serving her sentence.
WINCHESTER — A 50-year-old man was jailed for 19 months on Monday after admitting to assaulting a woman outside her home in a case that began as a domestic dispute but escalated into a knife attack.
Justin Hardaway, of St Cross Road in the St Cross area, pleaded guilty to assaulting Kerry Vincent on March 11, 2026, at Winchester Crown Court. The incident occurred on April 22, 2025, just before 8 p.m., outside Vincent’s property on Forder Court. According to court testimony, Hardaway threw a beer can at Vincent before striking her with a dog lead, prompting her to retreat inside and retrieve a knife.
Key Points
- ⚖️ Hardaway admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm
- 🔪 Vincent stabbed Hardaway in self-defense during the altercation
- 📅 Hardaway sentenced to 19 months; Vincent served six months and now faces parole review
The court heard that Hardaway’s actions triggered Vincent’s response, which involved a single stab wound to Hardaway’s arm. While Hardaway was immediately taken to hospital, Vincent was arrested at the scene and later charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. On April 17, 2026, a jury found her guilty, and she was sentenced to six months in prison.
| Defendant | Charge | Sentence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Hardaway | Assault causing actual bodily harm | 19 months | Incarcerated |
| Kerry Vincent | Wounding with intent | 6 months | Parole review pending |
Hardaway must also pay a victim surcharge of £228 as part of his sentence. The case raises questions about the escalation of domestic disputes and the legal boundaries of self-defense in altercations where both parties face charges.
💡 Pro Tip
If involved in a physical altercation, avoid retrieving a weapon—even in self-defense. The law often views such actions as escalation rather than protection, which can lead to criminal charges.
Vincent is currently incarcerated but will have her case reviewed by the parole board following her six-month sentence. Legal experts suggest that the review could hinge on whether the board determines she acted out of genuine fear for her safety. Meanwhile, Hardaway remains behind bars, with his earliest possible release date set for late 2027.
📋 By The Numbers
- April 22, 2025 — Date of the altercation outside Forder Court
- 19 months — Hardaway’s prison sentence for assault
- 6 months — Vincent’s sentence for wounding with intent
- £228 — Victim surcharge Hardaway must pay
The case underscores the complexities of domestic violence cases, where both parties can end up facing legal consequences. Prosecutors noted that Vincent’s prior history of interactions with police—including a domestic abuse report filed two years earlier—will factor into the parole review. Hardaway, who has no prior convictions, showed remorse during his sentencing, but the court emphasized the severity of his actions.
- Initial confrontation — Hardaway threw a beer can and struck Vincent with a dog lead.
- Retaliation — Vincent retrieved a knife and stabbed Hardaway once in the arm.
- Legal outcomes — Hardaway jailed for 19 months; Vincent served six months and now awaits parole decision.
Neighbors in the St Cross area described the street as typically quiet but recalled hearing loud shouting that evening. One resident, who asked not to be named, said, “You don’t expect a domestic dispute to turn into a knife fight on a Tuesday night.” The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly tensions can spiral out of control.