A woman who was brutally stabbed 29 times by her violent ex-partner and forced to hide in a cupboard with a knife still lodged in her chest has expressed “a big relief” following his death in prison.
Steven Wood attempted to murder Martina Turner, known as Tina, in a savage attack in her kitchen in May 2021. Despite the severity of her injuries, the brave mum-of-three miraculously survived.
Tina managed to escape the terrifying ordeal by hiding in a cupboard where she used her mobile to call for help, even with a blade still embedded in her chest. Emergency services were able to rescue her and apprehend Wood, who was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years behind bars. The news emerges as violent convict migrants defy deportation to continue vile UK crime spree.
Wood, who was serving his sentence at HMP Frankland, died last week, according to Chronicle Live. Speaking about his death, Tina, 57, said: “To be honest it was a big relief. For anybody who has been a victim of domestic violence they know their partner could get back into their lives – there was always that fear. “It’s a relief he’s not there anymore.”
It’s not over for the victim when their abuser goes to jail. “After committing the horrific attack four years ago, Wood fled their home in Gateshead and locked the door behind him, forcing emergency workers to smash through a window to reach Tina, reports the Mirror.
She was immediately rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, where doctors treated wounds on her heart, spine and legs.
Wood was also taken to the RVI after being found under the Redheugh Bridge by police. He is believed to have tried to end his own life. Tina endured six weeks in hospital and underwent numerous surgical procedures. She continues to battle both the physical consequences of the attack and the mental anguish it caused.
Wood subsequently admitted attempted murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years. Tina, originally from Germany but a UK resident for over three decades, revealed that despite her attacker being behind bars, she remained fearful.”
He told me he had to ‘finish me off’.
That sticks with you for the rest of your life,” she said. “I still can’t go outside by myself.
“I go shopping every Thursday with an old gentleman in my street, he always stands behind me in the queue.
“I still sit in restaurants with my back against the wall, and I still can’t go in crowds where there are lots of people. The trauma is there every day.”
Tina explained she was already tormented by thoughts of Wood nearing the completion of his minimum term, dreading the prospect of his eventual release.
“I was contemplating moving away from my friends and family and everyone I know because the fear was still very much present,” she said. “It’s not just me, I feared for any other woman he would have met. No one would have been safe with him out.
“I would have fought to keep him inside as long as possible because he was a danger to others. It’s a relief that in the future he can’t do it to another woman.”
Wood was taken to hospital from Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham, and died on 17 September. An independent investigation into his death is now being conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
A Prison Service spokesperson stated: “Steven Wood died in hospital on 17 September while serving a sentence at HMP Frankland. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”