Domestic violence victim shares horrific image as partner who beat her is jailed for seven years

A victim of domestic violence has said she wants the public to see the shocking injuries she suffered at the hands of her partner in the hope it will raise awareness and help others.

Lynn Hart was left with extensive bruising across her face and body following a vicious beating from boyfriend of three years David Harrison in May.

The 53-year-old's eyes were swollen shut for days following the attack.

When visiting her GP about her injuries, she was taken through the surgery's back door to avoid upsetting other patients.

Harrison flew into a rage on the morning of 5 May at his flat in Lower Gornal, Dudley, in the West Midlands, after returning with alcohol from a nearby shop.

He repeatedly punched Ms Hart in the face before using a TV sound bar as a weapon to continue the vicious attack.

The 52-year-old then stamped and spat on her while she lay defenceless on the floor.

Ms Hart reported the attack, which was the latest in a string of violent outbursts, to West Midlands Police.

She said: "I genuinely thought he was going to kill me: he just kept punching me in the face and then picked up the TV speaker and used that to hit me. I don't remember how I got out of the flat… it's all a blur.

"I went to my son's house where he called the ambulance and police. I love David, that's why I stayed with him through the beatings, in the hope he'd change… but I knew my life was in danger if I stayed with him and enough was enough."

Harrison was arrested a day after the attack and initially pleaded his innocence by suggesting Ms Hart had fallen down a flight of stairs.

But officers charged him with wounding and he was jailed for seven years after admitting the charge on 3 September at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Ms Hart said Harrison was a "heavy drinker" and that slowly things started going wrong.

She continued: "First it was verbal abuse, putting me down and telling me things like 'your family don't love you, only I love you'.

"But then he started with the physical attacks… and they got worse over time. I would put on extra make-up and come up with excuses for anyone who saw through the concealer."

Detective Inspector Catherine Webb-Jones said: "Lynn's appeal comes from the heart: victims of abuse need to find the courage to seek support… don't suffer alone and don't tolerate abuse.

"Lynn is a survivor and other victims can take comfort and seek their own solace from the courage she has shown."

Click here for details of bodies you can contact if you are a victim of domestic violence.