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'I don't want mummy to go to jail': Woman claims stabbing was self-defence

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: A jury has heard how a Perth mother allegedly stabbed her ex-husband in front of their daughter and other shocked onlookers at a suburban park.

Michelle Allison Fernandez is accused of repeatedly stabbing her ex-husband Mark with a kitchen knife at the Shelley foreshore in October 2015.

It’s alleged Mark Fernandez was left with his intestines hanging out as the estranged couple’s young daughter watched on.

The Shelley foreshore playground where parents shielded their children from the alleged attack. Source: 7 News
The Shelley foreshore playground where parents shielded their children from the alleged attack. Source: 7 News

The court has heard Mr Fernandez needed hundreds of stitches to his upper body and hands after the alleged attack which happened just metres away from other children and mothers at the park playground.

Witness Claire Watkinson told the jury she heard a huge scream, there was an altercation near the road and "literally every mother at the park was calling for their kids".

Ms Watkinson said she heard a man yelling: "She's stabbing me, she's stabbing me. Help”, as other parents tried to shield their children from the aftermath.

Michelle Fernandez says she acted in self-defence. Source: 7 News
Michelle Fernandez says she acted in self-defence. Source: 7 News

The witness also testified the distressed young girl nearby said: "I don't want my Mummy to go to jail.”

The court heard evidence from a triple-zero call to police where the caller said the woman claimed the stab victim “came at her with a knife”.

“He’s been stabbed in the stomach,” the caller said.

The Shelley foreshore. Source: 7 News
The Shelley foreshore. Source: 7 News

“I think it is with the knife that she tried to get off him.”

A witness told the jury the father had been playing enthusiastically with his daughter not long before the alleged attack.

Ms Fernandez claims her former husband brought the weapon to the park and she acted in self-defence because she feared for her safety.

The court was earlier told Mr Fernandez had been upset that one of his daughters did not want to see him.

The hearing continues.