A VIOLENT North East abuser who stabbed his partner 29 times before leaving her to die has been convicted of the “horrendous” attack.

Steven Wood launched the frenzied attack on his partner Martina (Tina) Turner, 53, on May 21 last year inside the kitchen of their Gateshead home.

Wood, who has bipolar disorder, carried out the attack after Tina told him she would be going out later that day.

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Believing she didn’t want to spend time with him, Wood took a knife from the kitchen drawer and ran at her from behind, stabbing her so violently the blade snapped. 

He then selected another knife and continued to attack his partner of two years, despite her begging for her life and pleading with him to call for help – with Wood saying at one point “I have to finish you off, I’m not going to prison for you”. 

It was only after the abuser plunged a knife into her chest that he called his son and confessed to doing something “bad.”

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While the call was taking place, Tina was able to quietly whisper for help, before Wood left the property, locked the doors, and hid the key.  

Within minutes, an emergency response had been triggered and paramedics, officers and the air ambulance were all deployed to the scene. 

When officers forced entry, they found Tina hiding in a cupboard and began carrying out life-saving treatment at the scene.

She was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries and stab wounds over her entire body, including her heart, spine, and legs. 

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Wood was later picked up by the Marine Unit and hospitalised after trying to take his own life. Once he made a full recovery he was arrested and remanded in custody.

Following the attack, an investigation was launched by detectives from Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) and Wood was later charged with attempted murder.

Yesterday, (Tuesday, January 18), the 54-year-old, of no fixed abode, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Speaking after the hearing, the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Louise Jenkins from Northumbria Police, called the case “despicable” and praised the victim for her bravery.

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She said: “This was an absolutely horrendous attack with levels of violence no one should ever be subjected to.

“It was only right that Wood admitted his despicable actions to the court and he will now have to accept his fate – which will include a considerable amount of time behind bars.

“Tina is an absolutely remarkable woman and what she has survived is nothing short of miraculous. She has a long journey ahead of her, as she continues to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally and I’m sure this attack will stay with her the rest of her life.

“This is without a doubt one of the most appalling and shocking cases of domestic abuse I have come across and I hope our communities know that we do not tolerate this type of behaviour and that violence and abuse of any kind should never be condoned.

“My message is to anyone who might be suffering in silence – please come forward and speak to us, we are here for you.”

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