The Oxford University student who received a suspended prison sentence for stabbing her boyfriend is rumoured to be seeking a career in law. 

In December 2016 Oxford University student Lavinia Woodward launched into a drunken attack on her then-boyfriend Thomas Fairclough, a Cambridge University student. In the frenzy, which took place at her digs at Christ Church, Woodward stabbed Fairclough in the leg with a breadknife and also injured his fingers. 

At a crown court trial in September 2017, Judge Ian Pringle sentenced Woodward to a 10 month prison term for the unlawful wounding of Fairclough. However, the judge commended medical student Woodward for her intelligence, describing her as "an extraordinary able young lady". He suspended the sentence for 18 months, saying that her medical career would be harmed if she went into immediate custody.

Despite avoiding jail time, Woodward appealed to try to get the conviction replaced with a fine or conditional discharge. But the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court's decision saying that Judge Pringle had already taken a "compassionate" stance by allowing a suspended sentence.  

Woodward has now left Oxford University. A "friend" cited by the Daily Mail said that Woodward plans to study law at a London University and hopes to become a barrister. Should Woodward opt for that career path, she would need to disclose her criminal conviction to the Bar Standards Board, who would decide whether she would be fit to practise. 

If she passes the suitability test, she would not be the only unlikely candidate for the profession. Some don't even bother qualifying.