A MOTHER who suffered a string of violent attacks at the hands of her husband last night urged other victims to speak out.

Nurse Katrina Teggart was left covered in blood and needed stitches after husband Darren pushed a pint glass into her face following an England World Cup game last June.

The 43-year-old former Witney United manager, of Burwell Drive in the town, was yesterday unanimously convicted by a jury at Oxford Crown Court of causing actual bodily harm.

It was the latest attack in a string of abuse against his wife and he was warned by Judge Mary Jane Mowat to expect a jail sentence of up to four years when he is sentenced next month.

Mum-of-two Mrs Teggart, who became a nurse after fleeing to a women’s refuge because of a previous attack 10 years ago, last night said: “Don’t let them push you around. Don’t let them beat you.

“It’s not easy but it’s worth it, I’ve become such a strong person.

“There’s no need for women in this day and age to put up with any type of abuse. One phone call and you can be out of that situation.

“I suffered domestic violence for a very long time and it used to be that if you didn’t have major bruises or injuries nothing would happen, but things have changed so much, there’s so much support out there.

“So many people understand.”

During the trial jurors heard that Teggart admitted battery of his wife in 1999 after he had “thrown a pint over her and held her by her throat against a wall”.

In 2000 he was arrested for allegedly assaulting Mrs Teggart. He accepted grabbing her by the hair and throat but denied slapping her.

In 2003 he admitted a charge of battery after grabbing her and shoving her against a wall. He denied punching her.

Reflecting on why she stayed with her husband through years of abuse, Mrs Teggart said: “I really believed my love was enough to change him, but you can never, ever change someone who’s got that in them unless they want to change.”

The 44-year-old, who is now separated from Teggart, praised her friends and colleagues at Witney Community Hospital and thanked her domestic violence advisor from the Oxfordshire domestic violence network “for always being there”.

The keen singer, who got through to the ‘boot camp’ stage of X Factor six years ago, continues to perform in pubs and clubs around Witney and is once again making her way through the early rounds of the ITV talent show.

She added: “It’s been a massive struggle, but the verdict is a massive, massive relief.”

The former Recorder of Oxford, Judge Julian Hall, who has campaigned for victims of domestic abuse, said: “I’m delighted that one such case has been brought and I hope it encourages other people to do so.”

  • The Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline is on 0800 731 0055. Mrs Teggart said she would gladly speak confidentially to anybody in her situation. Email tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk or call 01865 425422 and we will pass on details.