WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Steven Wood tried to “finish off” Martina Turner in a brutal attack in her kitchen – but the mum-of-three miraculously survived and is now speaking out
A woman who endured 29 stab wounds from her violent former partner and was compelled to take refuge in a cupboard with a blade still embedded in her chest has described feeling “a big relief” following his death behind bars.
Steven Wood attempted to “finish off” Martina Turner, known as Tina, during a vicious assault in her kitchen in May 2021 – yet the mother-of-three incredibly survived. Tina managed to escape the terrifying ordeal by concealing herself in a cupboard where she used her mobile to summon assistance, despite having a knife still protruding from her chest. Emergency crews were able to rescue her and apprehend Wood, who received a minimum 12-year prison sentence.
Wood, who was serving time at HMP Frankland, died last week, Chronicle Live reported. Tina, 57, said regarding his passing: “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. “
Following the savage attack four years ago, Wood escaped their Gateshead property and secured the door behind him – compelling emergency responders to smash through a window to reach Tina.
She was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, where doctors treated injuries to her heart, spine and legs. Wood was also taken to the RVI after being found beneath the Redheugh Bridge by officers.
He is thought to have tried to end his own life. Tina endured a six-week hospital stay and multiple surgeries. Today, she continues to grapple with the physical aftermath of the attack, as well as the psychological trauma.
Wood later admitted to attempted murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years. Born in Germany and a UK resident for over three decades, Tina confessed that despite her attacker’s imprisonment, she still feels unsafe. “He told me he had to ‘finish me off’, reports the Mirror.
“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 elderly gentleman from 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.”
The thought of Wood nearing the end of his minimum sentence already haunts Tina, and the prospect of his release terrifies her.
“I was contemplating moving away from my friends and family and everyone I know because the fear was still very much present,” she admitted. “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.”
After carrying out the horrific attack four years ago, Wood fled their house in Gateshead and locked the door behind him – forcing emergency workers to break through a window in order to deliver aid to Tina.
She was rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, where medics treated wounds on her heart, spine and legs. Wood was also taken to the RVI after being discovered under the Redheugh Bridge by police.
He is believed to have attempted to take his own life. Tina spent six weeks in hospital and underwent multiple operations. Today she is still living with the physical impact of the assault, as well as the psychological trauma.
Wood later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years.
Wood was taken from Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham, to hospital where he died on 17 September.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is now conducting an independent investigation into his death.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed: “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.”
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