UPDATE: A woman from Ryton, Gateshead has bravely shared her harrowing story of abuse after her ex-boyfriend, Freddy Smith, received a six-year prison sentence for multiple violent offenses. This urgent revelation comes as Smith was sentenced on charges including wounding with intent and controlling behavior, marking a pivotal moment in Maisie Henderson’s journey toward recovery.
After years of living in fear and experiencing extreme physical and emotional abuse, Maisie is finally reclaiming her life. “I feel like it has taught me to be more positive in a weird way,” the 24-year-old mother-of-two said. “I’m happy just living in a house where it’s peaceful now.” This transformation follows a disturbing history of violence that escalated during her pregnancy.
The abuse began when Maisie was just 17 years old and continued into her pregnancy with Smith’s child. Court documents revealed a shocking pattern of attacks between 2021 and 2022, where Smith used various weapons, including a razor blade and a metal pole, to inflict severe injuries. In one horrifying incident, he even forced her to drink his blood.
During a brutal assault in December 2021, Smith hurled objects at her, including a chair and a mug. As the violence escalated, the court heard how he inflicted life-altering injuries, including puncture wounds from a sword and deep lacerations from a razor blade. “It was really scary,” Maisie recalled. “I knew I was pregnant, and I remember just lying in bed praying my baby was going to be all right.”
Maisie’s plight came to light when her mother reported her missing, leading police to their home where they found evidence of the abuse. Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including strangulation and assault, and was sentenced to six years in prison, with an additional three years under extended license.
The emotional aftermath of the sentencing was complex for Maisie. “It was a relief, but it was very hard on the day he was sentenced,” she shared. “I thought I should feel different but I didn’t. I just felt the same.”
Now, as she begins to rebuild her life, Maisie is attending college to pursue a career in nursing and midwifery. “I’m very fearful of people. I’m not very trusting,” she admitted. Yet, she remains determined to focus on her children and her future. “I don’t think of my son as his now. He’s his own person.”
Maisie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of domestic violence and the resilience of survivors. With Smith behind bars, she is embracing the healing power of community and education, finding strength in her journey toward a safer, more hopeful life.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for awareness and support for those affected by domestic abuse. As Maisie continues to share her experiences, she hopes to inspire others to seek help and break free from their own cycles of violence.
For anyone in similar situations, immediate support is available through local domestic violence hotlines and organizations dedicated to helping victims reclaim their lives.
