Steven Wood tried to ‘finish off’ Martina Turner with a brutal attack in her kitchen four years ago, but the mum-of-three miraculously survived – despite being stabbed 29 times
A woman who was stabbed 29 times by her abusive ex and forced to hide in a cupboard with a knife still lodged in her chest says it was “a big relief” after he died in jail.
Steven Wood tried to “finish off” Martina Turner, known as Tina, in a brutal attack in her kitchen in May 2021 – but the mum-of-three miraculously survived. Tina managed to flee the horror attack by hiding in a cupboard where she used her phone to call for help, even with a blade still lodged in her chest. Emergency services were able to save her and arrest Wood, who was jailed for a minimum of 12 years in prison.
Wood, who was incarcerated at HMP Frankland, passed away last week, Chronicle Live reported. Tina, 57, said of his death: “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.”
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.
Tina, who was born in Germany and has lived in the UK for more than 30 years, said despite knowing her abuser was jailed, she still did not feel safe. “He told me he had to ‘finish me off’. 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 old gentleman in 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.”
Tina said she was already haunted by the thought of Wood approaching the end of his minimum sentence, and was terrified at the thought of him being released. “I was contemplating moving away from my friends and family and everyone I know because the fear was still very much present,” she said. “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.
“It’s a relief that in the future he can’t do it to another woman.” Wood was transported to hospital from Frankland, a high security prison in County Durham, and passed away on 17 September.
An independent investigation into his death is now being conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. A Prison Service spokesperson stated: “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.”