Brave domestic violence survivor speaks out after abusive ex put her head through car windowscreen - The Solihull Observer

Brave domestic violence survivor speaks out after abusive ex put her head through car windowscreen

Solihull Editorial 16th Sep, 2019 Updated: 16th Sep, 2019   0

A BRAVE domestic violence victim has spoken out after her abusive ex put her head through a car windscreen.

Leon Thompson viciously attacked Danielle Perry outside his Arden Road home in Chelmsley Wood, smashing her head through his car windscreen.

As she lay on the ground bleeding from multiple facial fractures, Thompson continued to assault her by kicking and stamping on her.

Hours before the violent attack on February 17 Thompson had told friends ‘I’d never hit a woman.’




Danielle reminded Thompson how he had previously slapped her in the face − almost breaking her nose − to the shock of others in the group.

During the drive home, Thompson flew into a rage over the disclosure in front of their friends.


Danielle later confided in hospital staff and Thompson was arrested at Heartlands Hospital on the same morning.

After arrest Thompson claimed Danielle had broken the window with her bag and could offer no explanation for her injuries – even claiming she might have self-harmed.

He was jailed for eight years by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court.

Since the conviction Danielle, aged 27, has released the images of her injuries in the hope it will encourage others to seek help.

She said: “He’d hit me about eight or nine times before. I’d been given a fat lip and bruises but each time the following day he’d always plead for forgiveness, cook me a meal and say how it’d never happen again. But it always did.

“Looking back I wish I’d left after the first time but my head was all over the place with mixed emotions. I wanted to believe in his promises and that he’d change.

“But there were times he’d also threaten me and even said he’d blow up my house if I ever told anyone about the abuse. Even on the night he told me to tell hospital staff that I’d been attacked from behind by a group of people.

“I couldn’t maintain the lie any longer, though, and realised I had to get help and get out of the relationship.

“In my experience the abuse and the violence will get worse. He has ruined my life, I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD and rarely leave the house now; it’ll be a long road to recovery.

“My advice to anyone suffering domestic abuse is to seek help at an early stage, don’t wait like I did or there is a risk you could be seriously injured or worse.

“There are lots of support groups and charities you can speak to, plus the police. I don’t think I’d have been able to get through everything had it not been for Clive (the investigating officer) and the support from his team.”

West Midlands Police Detective Constable Clive Leftwich, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, added: “The judge described Thompson as a danger to women.

“The horrific injuries suffered by Danielle are the culmination of a long suffering and violent relationship with Thompson.

“Danielle showed great bravery in speaking out against him and his eight-year jail sentence reflects the anguish and physical pain she’s endured.”

For help and support with domestic violence contact Women’s Aid online at www.womensaid.org.uk or call 0808 2000 247.

To speak to a specially trained police officer call 101.

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