AN athlete has been jailed for 18 years after trying to murder a UK Athletics staff member following a disagreement over her transgender status.

Lauren Jeska, 42, from Machynlleth, stabbed Ralph Knibbs, in the head and neck at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

She also admitted causing actual bodily harm to Kevan Taylor and Tim Begley, who tried to intervene, and pleaded guilty to possessing a knife.

Defence lawyer Julie Warburton said Jeska’s transgender status had led to a disagreement with UK Athletics.

Mr Knibbs, a former Bristol rugby player, was head of UKA’s human resources and welfare.

Running as a woman, Jeska, was a former fell-running champion and was a member of Aberystwyth Athletics Club among others and worked as an Aberystwyth University research assistant.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that problems arose when she was considered for international selection.

She feared further blood tests would reveal her transgender status publicly and her previous results would be annulled.

A dispute over her hormones led to a mental breakdown, the court heard.