Domestic abuse survivor from Oldham shares her horrific story in moving video

An Oldham mum has shared her story after her abuser was jailed for 25 years earlier this month.

Angela Wright faced years of abuse at the hands of Steven Blades, 53, of Clarksfield Road in Clarksfield.

Blades was jailed on 3 December for 25 years and a further eight years of probation after being found guilty of making threats to kill, two counts of GBH, seven counts of ABH, indecent assault, two counts of rape, cruelty to a person under 16 years old and controlling and coercive behaviour.

During the disturbing video, Angela describes being burned by an iron, and how her ex partner tried to drown her in a bath.

"He's tried strangling me.  He broke my leg by jumping on it. He put a gun to my mouth, and I thought he was going to shoot me.

"He threatened to set me on fire.  He poured turps all over me, and had a flame right next to me.  I thought any minute now, I'm just going to go up."

Despite moving home, Angela was persued by her abuser.

"He found out where I lived, and used to come up and smash the door.

"I used to come home from work, get all the children upstairs in one bedroom, turn all the lights off downstairs, and stay in that bedroom like that all night.

"That's how me and my kids lived on a day to day basis."

Angela says she wants to encourage other victims of domestic abuse to seek help. She said: “There is justice at the end of it. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. I started my journey over 38 years ago and I am here now, and I’ve finally got justice.

"Don’t carry on in silence. Get the strength to pick up the phone or even an email or speak to somebody – one of your friends, speak to somebody. I kept it all to myself.

"Just speak to somebody so that it does get reported and the person does get brought to justice.”

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on the GMP website, or call 101. In an emergency that's on-going or life is in danger, always dial 999.

Some victims may not feel comfortable speaking with the police, or may feel they need support to come forward and make a report. Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. You can contact the service by visiting the website here or calling 0161 200 1950.

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