HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local woman was denied a bond reduction when she appeared in court on a charge of aggravated battery.

Tatum Watkins is accused of hitting and then stabbing her ex-boyfriend in the back on Jan. 22 after an altercation. The victim was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment where he apparently spent five days.

In court, she asked for a bond reduction, but because of the severity of the case, that was denied by Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen, who told the defendant she’s lucky she is not facing a murder charge.

Watkins will be back in court next week for the formal reading of charges filed by the state.