Woman stabbed 29 times by her ex is saved by police in dramatic bodycam footage
Footage released by the police shows the dramatic moment they smashed through a window to rescue a woman who had been stabbed 29 times.
Martina Turner was viciously attacked by her boyfriend three years ago, suffering numerous stab wounds, a bleed on her heart, two broken ribs and a burn on her leg.
She was left permanently scarred by the attack, but remarkably she lived – and is now dedicated to fighting for other victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
A video released yesterday by Northumbria Police shed light on the horrific events of the day that ended with Martina being taken to hospital.
On May 21, 2020, the 54-year-old had told her then-boyfriend Steven Wood she would be going out from her home in Gateshead later that day.
Believing it meant she didn’t want to spend time with him, Wood erupted and began stabbing her with a knife from a kitchen drawer.
He only stopped when the blade snapped – but he then grabbed another knife and started again.
Wood told his partner of two years: ‘I have to finish you off, I’m not going to prison for you.’
The terrifying attack only came to an end when he stuck the knife into Martina’s chest, and called his son to confess he had done something ‘bad’.
Wood, who has bipolar disorder, locked Martina in her home, drove to the Redheugh Bridge in Newcastle and jumped into the River Tyne.
However, he was rescued from the water by a police boat.
Meanwhile, Martina had managed to grab her phone, call 999 and quietly whisper for help.
Within minutes, paramedics, officers and an air ambulance had been deployed to the scene.
After smashing through her window, police discovered Martina hiding in a cupboard, covered in her own blood.
She was taken to hospital and treated for life-changing injuries.
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org.
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men's Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
Last year, Wood was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting attempted murder. He must serve at least 12 years before he can apply for parole.
Speaking after the case, Martina said: ‘Too many lives have been destroyed by domestic violence and every victim will have to live for the rest of their lives with their personal trauma, including myself.
‘However, justice was served.
‘And despite being very emotional for me to explain how this totally unprovoked attack with life-changing injuries to myself took place and have changed my life forever, I’m glad I can move on with my recovery and to continue to fight for more justice for victims and raising more awareness and donations for charities like GNAAS and National Domestic Abuse.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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