'He beat me like I was an animal' - abuse survivor

Martin Woodhouse, 39, was jailed for more than seven years

A survivor of domestic abuse has said she thought she was "going to die" during a sustained attack by her former partner.

Martin Woodhouse, 39, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, stalking that causes a fear of violence and driving offences.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said Woodhouse could not stand the "idea of losing control" over her and he "snapped".

At Bradford Crown Court last week, he was jailed for seven years and three months.

The assault related to an incident on 1 September 2024, West Yorkshire Police said, with the stalking offence relating to a time period between 7 December 2024 and 31 January.

"He beat me like I was an animal - I've never felt that level of hatred and violence before," her statement said.

"He hit me harder than I could ever imagine, without any care, without any remorse."

She continued: I thought I was going to die. I honestly thought that was it. I couldn't breathe, couldn't escape, this went on for hours."

The woman said he later called her workplace and attempted to get her "sacked".

"The physical wounds healed, but the mental scars, they're something I don't know how to escape from," she added.

Woodhouse was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court last week

Det Insp David Purcell said Woodhouse had "been responsible for a sustained attack on the victim which left her with significant facial injuries, as well as other injuries all over her body".

"What then followed was a campaign of stalking, putting the victim in fear that she would be subject to further violence at Woodhouse's hands," he said.

The officer said it had taken "immense courage" for the woman to come forward and report the offences.

Woodhouse was also convicted following a trial of two counts of dangerous driving in relation to incidents on the 28 and 29 January when he failed to stop for officers.

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