A man described as a “master manipulator” carved his initials into his girlfriend’s leg with a knife and then requested affection from her. James Freeman, a heavy drinker, seemed satisfied after causing severe wounds to the woman’s leg, resulting in exposed leg tissue. Following the incident, he urged the victim to kiss and cuddle him.
During distressing episodes of violence, Freeman targeted the woman by driving his car towards her and suffocating her, as disclosed at Hull Crown Court. Freeman, aged 27 and residing in Hull, admitted to causing grievous bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm, intentional suffocation, and assault on separate dates in 2024.
According to prosecutor Hannah Turner, Freeman and the woman initiated a relationship in September 2024, and she moved into his residence the following month. Turner highlighted the turbulent nature of their relationship.
In May of the same year, while intoxicated with vodka and Codeine, Freeman used a knife to cut the woman’s leg. Turner reported that he carved his initials into her leg and made multiple cuts, disregarding the victim’s pleas to stop. Freeman’s actions led to deep incisions, with visible fatty tissue hanging out of the wounds.
The victim, feeling panicked, locked herself in the bathroom after Freeman’s disturbing behavior. Despite her distress, Freeman demanded affection from her and restrained her on the sofa, preventing her from seeking immediate medical help for her injuries.
Following their separation, the victim sought medical attention for her wounds, only to be informed that due to the delay, her skin could not be stitched back together, resulting in a permanent scar. In a separate incident, Freeman nearly hit the woman with his car outside a nightclub, displaying aggressive behavior towards her.
Freeman’s attorney, David Godfrey, acknowledged his client’s misconduct and personal issues, expressing remorse for the harm caused. Freeman received a two-year jail sentence and a five-year restraining order for his actions.
After the court proceedings, the victim’s grandfather expressed concern over Freeman’s behavior, labeling him a “self-confessed sociopath” and predicting future incidents of abuse. He emphasized the emotional toll the events had taken on his granddaughter.
For confidential assistance, individuals affected by domestic abuse can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA offers specialized support for those who have lost loved ones due to fatal domestic abuse.