Brave domestic abuse survivor speaks out about three-hour beating that led to Northampton man’s prison sentence

A courageous woman who survived domestic abuse has spoken out in a bid to help other people in a similar position.

Nicola Frost was in a relationship with her abuser for around six years but had already left the relationship when she was subjected to hours of physical violence.

After years of controlling behaviour, Nicola endured a three-hour beating in her home, when she was punched, kicked, strangled and had a knife held to her cheek.

Following court appearances, Aaron James Wharton, of Rosedale Road, was sentenced to a prison term on Friday (August 21) after he was charged with actual bodily harm (ABH) in relation to the incident that took place on February 2, 2019.

Now Nicola wants to share her experience of domestic abuse to help other victims to see a way out.

The 32-year-old said: “The first year of our relationship was perfect, but then the last five years was hell and abusive.

“He controlled every aspect of my life. Even if I just went to the shop I had to ask for permission and I had to take a picture of myself and what I was wearing.

“My problem was I thought I had no one, because he made me believe I only had him.

“I found out he was cheating on me and I ended the relationship, but he didn’t like the fact that I had started to get on with my life.”

On the night of the attack, Wharton was out in town and arrived at Nicola’s house at around 3.15am.

Nicola explained that at the time the pair were on good terms as the relationship had ended, they were co-parenting their two children and Wharton had moved on.

The mum-of-five added: “I looked through the peephole and let him in. He was sniffing so I thought he was upset.

“He went straight into the kitchen and within minutes he had thrown his first punch.

“The attack went on for three hours. I tried to talk to him and calm him down, but nothing I could say would have made a difference.

“He punched me, kicked me, strangled me and held a knife to my cheek.

“He punched me so hard I fell to the floor and it didn’t matter if I was up or down, I was getting hit.

“It was like he was possessed and it was the worst he ever did.

“He fell asleep on the sofa and that’s the only reason he didn't carry on.

“I could not ring anyone to get him out as he had my phone.”

When Wharton woke up Nicola says he ‘acted like nothing had happened’.

“Then he came into the kitchen and said ‘I can’t believe I have done that to you, but you deserved it’,” Nicola continued.

“I then had to wait until he left the house before I could do anything.”

Once Wharton left, Nicola got her children looked after and rang a friend who took her to hospital, where police met her.

Wharton went on to plead not guilty to an ABH charge, which meant Nicola had to stand up and give evidence in court.

A jury found him guilty and the case was escalated to Northampton Crown Court for sentencing, where Wharton received a 21-month prison term and a ten year restraining order.

“No time can ever repay what he has done," Nicola added. “But the restraining order is a massive thing.”

More than 18 months after the attack, the ordeal of waiting for an outcome is finally over for Nicola, however the effects of the relationship and the attack are long lasting.

“When I was in that situation I lost who I was and I lost my own voice. He controlled everything, even when we weren’t together,” she continued.

“He made me believe I had no one else. I was cut off from my friends and family.

“My trust is now unbelievable. It’s hard for me to even trust my family and it shouldn’t be like that.

“I am now un-training myself from what he trained me to be, mainly not having to ask permission to do anything.

“But if I see anyone raising a hand I’m flinching and I’m constantly watching by back even though I know he has been sentenced.

“I still get nightmares and flashbacks about what happened.”

By bravely sharing her story, Nicola is hoping she will help others in a similar situation to spot the signs early on and find the strength to get out of the relationship.

“I want to be a voice for someone else who hasn’t got one right now", she added.

“Someone wanting to know where you are all the time is not normal and not healthy.

“People need to know that sign and see it as abuse and to not doubt themselves, follow through and get out.”

If you or someone you know is affected by issues raised by Nicola, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service can be reached by calling 0300 012 0154.

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