A WOMAN who stabbed her flatmate with a knife during an alcohol-fuelled argument has been convicted of manslaughter.

Viktorija Ratiuk stabbed 32-year-old Romualds Baluls once in the chest in the flat they shared in Bircham Road, Taunton, on Saturday, November 19 last year.

Ratiuk was found not guilty of murder by the jury but was convicted of manslaughter on Friday, May 19 following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.


READ MORE: Woman who stabbed her flatmate found guilty of manslaughter


On Tuesday she was then sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison.

Senior investigating officer Andy Mott said: “The victim and defendant worked together as charity bag collectors and had only known each other for a matter of weeks.

“On the day of the incident they were drinking alcohol in their flat with one of Romuald’s friends.

“A row ensued between Ratiuk and the victim, resulting in Ratiuk being assaulted.

“Following this, Romuald was stabbed once in the chest as he was sitting in a chair.

“The decision to use a knife while under the influence of alcohol was catastrophic and Ratiuk will have to suffer the consequences of her impulsive actions.

“We’ve been supporting Romauld’s family, who live in Latvia, and have been keeping them updated on the progress of our investigation.

“They continue to be in our thoughts as they come to terms with their loss and the outcome of this criminal investigation.”

Police were called to flat shortly after 1pm on Saturday, November 19 last year.

Mr Baluls was found inside the flat with serious injuries and despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.


READ MORE: Woman, 31, arrested on suspicion of murder in Taunton


The incident shocked the neighbourhood, with Bircham Road resident Jagoda Slominska saying emergency services were coming and going all day from the flat.

“It is quite scary, this is normally a very quiet area and we are right next to a school. I am shocked,” she said.