Ambulance worker who launched frenzied attack on boss said 'oopsie' while trying to kill her with hammer
In another hammer-related attack, a victim was left furious after her attacker was released early
GB News
An ambulance worker has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to murder her boss with a hammer.
Stacey Smith, 46, attacked Michala Morton outside her home in Tameside, Greater Manchester, on November 11 last year.
The assault stemmed from a long-standing grudge over shift patterns.
Smith ambushed Morton at 5:30am as she left for work, repeatedly striking her with the hammer.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Smith showed little remorse for her actions
Greater Manchester Police
The victim suffered serious head injuries and a broken wrist whilst trying to defend herself.
Police described the attack as "unprovoked and frenzied".
Manchester Crown Court heard that Smith showed little remorse for her actions.
The attack occurred after Smith had harboured resentment towards Morton, an operations manager at North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
Their relationship deteriorated during the Covid-19 pandemic when shift patterns were changed.
Smith and her wife, also an NWAS employee, wanted to work together and share non-working days. This led to ongoing disputes and a formal grievance.
The situation escalated in July 2022 when the couple were unable to attend a patient's funeral due to work commitments.
Smith then posted abusive comments about Morton on social media.
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As Michala Morton left for work, Smith attacked, striking her head repeatedly while screaming threats to kill her
PA
Despite attempts to resolve the issues, including separating Smith and her wife's shifts, tensions continued to mount.
Smith filed another complaint, claiming she and her wife were being "targeted" by Morton.
Days before a scheduled HR interview, Smith waited outside Morton's home armed with a hammer.
She phoned a friend, saying she "couldn't take it anymore".
As Morton left for work, Smith attacked, striking her head repeatedly while screaming threats to kill her.
Neighbours rushed to Morton's aid, providing first aid and preserving evidence.
After fleeing, Smith sent a chilling text: "I've done it. I've smashed her head in. Oppsie xx!"
Initially planning to "go on the run", Smith later surrendered to police. She admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent but denied attempted murder.
Judge Hilary Manley noted Smith's lack of remorse, stating: "I detect very little remorse. In fact it seems you feel you were justified in your actions, or at least driven to it."
Detective Constable Stephen McNee of GMP's Tameside Criminal Investigation Department praised the victim's bravery and thanked local residents for their assistance.
He stated: "Physically injuries may heal but the mental trauma of the attack will stay with the victim for life."
The attack has left Morton with "profound and far-reaching" physical and emotional scars.
Judge Manley imposed a whole-life order preventing Smith from ever contacting Morton again.
In addition to the 20-year prison term, Smith will be subject to an extended licence period of five years.
The judge described the offence as premeditated with significant planning.
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