A chilling incident in South Shields, South Tyneside, underscores the terrifying reality of domestic violence and the unexpected ways in which lives can be spared. Sarah Coulson, a 51-year-old civil servant, found herself in a life-threatening situation when her four-year relationship with Steven Corner, whom she met on Tinder, took a violent turn. Corner, 54, had been struggling with alcohol abuse, a problem that escalated after a period of unemployment and rehabilitation. When Sarah decided to end the relationship, Corner’s reaction was explosive and brutal.
On January 20th, during an argument sparked by Corner’s search for hidden alcohol in Sarah’s home, he seized an 8-inch kitchen knife and launched a vicious attack. He repeatedly stabbed and slashed at Sarah, driven by a possessive rage fueled by her decision to leave him. In a stroke of sheer luck, Sarah was wearing a thick, fleece-lined snoodie purchased from a local market. This seemingly insignificant garment proved to be her lifesaver. The thickness of the snoodie prevented the knife from penetrating deeply enough to reach vital organs.
The attack unfolded with terrifying speed. Sarah attempted to escape, shoving past Corner and running outside, but he pursued her relentlessly. He stabbed her in the back twice and tackled her to the ground, his knee pressing painfully on her ribs. As she raised her arms to defend herself, he continued to slash at her, inflicting numerous wounds. Sarah’s desperate cries for help, punctuated by pleas mentioning her daughter, finally attracted the attention of neighbors who bravely intervened and pulled Corner off her. He fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.
The injuries sustained by Sarah, though numerous, were miraculously non-fatal. The police noted a significant number of slash wounds as opposed to deeper stab wounds, a testament to the protective layer provided by the snoodie. While shaken and traumatized by the ordeal, Sarah recognizes the crucial role the snoodie played in her survival. She acknowledges that the wounds, though superficial, were millimetres away from causing permanent damage, and that any one of them could have been fatal. The thickness and oversized nature of the snoodie created a crucial barrier between the blade and her body.
The aftermath of the attack saw Corner facing justice for his actions. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. Sarah, while relieved at the outcome, has been left with the emotional scars of the attack and the realization of the hidden dangers within her relationship. She is determined to use her experience to raise awareness about domestic abuse and encourage other women in similar situations to seek help.
Sarah’s story serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of domestic violence. Corner, described as charming and chameleon-like, was able to conceal his abusive tendencies from those around them. He adapted his personality to fit in, deceiving everyone with his outward demeanor. This highlights the importance of recognizing the red flags of abusive behavior, even in seemingly healthy relationships. Sarah’s experience emphasizes the need for vigilance and the courage to seek help when warning signs appear, however subtle they may be. Her survival, thanks to an unlikely source of protection, underscores the importance of support networks and the potential for life to be spared even in the face of extreme violence. She urges anyone experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for help and resources, recognizing that leaving an abusive relationship can be a difficult but essential step towards safety and healing.
