DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM OUTRAGED AS ABUSIVE EX AVOIDS JAIL
Justine Wood, a 40-year-old mother, endured a series of violent attacks from her ex-partner Damian Bridge, who was also 40.She described her ordeal as being beaten “like a wild animal,” suffering from injuries including a broken nose, fractured jaw, and a deep gash on her head.
Despite her injuries, Bridge was convicted of assault by beating and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but received a suspended 18-month sentence and an 18-month restraining order.
Justine expressed her frustration, stating: "I am a survivor, but justice has not been served.
He should be locked away." She recounted specific incidents, such as in 2014 when he punched her, leaving her with a broken nose, and in 2015 when he punched her again after she asked him to turn down the TV, resulting in her black eyes.
Other assaults included biting her fingers, sinking his teeth into her, and breaking her jaw in subsequent attacks.
Despite multiple arrests and guilty pleas—Bridge pleaded guilty in June 2017 but was not jailed—he remains a free man, which has left Justine devastated.
Her injuries and mental scars serve as a reminder of her suffering, and she still suffers from nightmares and has CCTV at her home for protection.
