A young mother from Tyne and Wear has courageously detailed the horrific campaign of abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner, who subjected her to violent assaults while she was pregnant and even forced her to drink his blood during one terrifying incident.
Six-Year Prison Sentence for Controlling Abuser
Freddy Smith, also known as Campbell, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple serious offences. The 24-year-old, from East Lea in Winlaton, Gateshead, admitted charges including wounding with intent, strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour against his then-partner Maisie Henderson.
The court heard how Smith's campaign of abuse escalated particularly after Maisie became pregnant with their first child, with numerous violent incidents occurring between 2021 and 2022 despite his knowledge of her pregnancy.
A Catalogue of Violent Assaults
Newcastle Crown Court was presented with disturbing details of the multiple attacks Smith perpetrated against Maisie using what prosecutors described as "a variety of weapons." These included:
- A razor blade used to cut her left thigh while she was in the shower, leaving a deep open wound with visible fat and permanent scarring
- A metal weightlifting pole used to strike the back of her head, causing it to crack open
- A sword used to stab her lower leg and foot around New Year 2022, resulting in heavy bleeding and lasting puncture wound scars
- A glass bottle smashed onto her finger in March 2022, leaving it severely bruised
In December 2021, Smith assaulted Maisie by throwing both a mug and a chair at her. The abuse extended beyond physical violence to include controlling behaviour, with Smith preventing Maisie from using her phone or even looking in mirrors while at his home.
The Psychological Manipulation Pattern
Maisie described how Smith would follow his violent outbursts with emotional manipulation, crying and claiming not to understand his own actions while seeking her sympathy. "He brainwashed me into thinking it was okay," she revealed in an interview with ChronicleLive. "Then something else happened and it was the same thing over and over. In the end it just became normal to us."
The psychological control became so complete that Maisie found it difficult to process her own emotions during the abuse. "It's very difficult to know how I felt," she admitted. "It was hard to understand what was going on."
Pregnancy Fears and Eventual Escape
During one particularly brutal attack in July 2022, when Smith accused her of cheating, he choked her, struck her legs with a metal pole, and punched her approximately twenty-five times. Maisie, who was pregnant at the time, recalled the terror she felt for her unborn child. "I knew I was pregnant," she said. "I can remember just lying in bed praying my baby was going to be all right. It was horrible. I had never been through anything like that."
The abuse finally came to an end when Maisie's mother reported her missing, prompting police officers to visit their home. Smith had been preventing Maisie from leaving the house or using her phone, effectively holding her captive.
Rebuilding a Life After Trauma
Now 24 and living in Ryton, Gateshead, Maisie is working to rebuild her life with her two children. She has returned to college where she is studying nursing and midwifery, though she acknowledges the lasting psychological impact of her ordeal. "It's left an impact on me," she confessed. "I'm very fearful of people. I'm not very trusting."
Despite these challenges, Maisie maintains a positive outlook on her current circumstances. "My life itself is a lot better," she said. "I have gone back to college, I have got my two kids and I have got all my friends and family back." She has consciously separated her son from any association with his father, stating: "I don't think of my son as his now. He's his own person. It doesn't even pop into my head."
Reflecting on Smith's sentencing on January 19, Maisie described mixed emotions. "It was a relief, but it was very hard on the day he was sentenced," she revealed. "I thought I should feel different but I didn't. I just felt the same."
Smith received an extended licence period of three years in addition to his six-year prison sentence and was given a restraining order prohibiting contact with Maisie.
Support for Domestic Abuse Victims
For those experiencing domestic violence or concerned about someone who might be, confidential support is available. Women can contact The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, operated by Refuge, at any time on 0808 2000 247. The service provides free, confidential, and non-judgemental information and support.
Men affected by domestic abuse can call the Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (available Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm) or visit the webchat at Men's Advice Line (open Wednesday from 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for similar confidential support.
