A tragic case of domestic violence has emerged from Middlesbrough, where a mother was subjected to brutal physical attacks by her former partner.
Suzie Harburn, 40, endured a horrific assault that left her injured and shaken.
Her ex-partner, Dean Cameron, 36, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for his violent actions.
The Attack Unfolds
Suzie describes a morning in August 2021 when everything changed.
After a brief exchange where she nudged Cameron and asked why he was speaking to her harshly, he abruptly flipped out.
He grabbed her by the throat, lifted her off the ground, and slammed her against the bed.
When her son, Jamie, ran to help, he found his mother lying on the floor, battered and bruised.
Cameron didn’t stop there; he strangled Suzie and slammed her head into the bed frame multiple times.
Despite sustaining a black eye and other injuries, Suzie didn’t leave the relationship immediately.
She recalled moments when Cameron could be “very kind and caring,” but noted his explosive temper that would escalate in an instant.
“I wanted to leave lots of times,” she said after Cameron’s sentencing.
“He was really apologetic, and I kept giving him chances. I should have taken that as a sign to go.”
The Red Flags
The couple, who met on Facebook, had been together for over three years.
While their relationship started off lovely, Suzie recognized the warning signs about four months in.
Cameron’s controlling behavior began to surface. “It became a problem if I wanted to go out without him,” Suzie shared.
“I was afraid if someone texted me when he was around. He’d go through my phone and wouldn’t even let me have a drink alone at home.”
Their engagement was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but a weekend visit in November 2022 took a dark turn.
They were planning their wedding for January 2023 when Cameron, after drinking, became paranoid and confrontational.
Accusations flew when he saw some socks that didn’t belong to them, and everything escalated from there.
The Horrifying Conclusion
Cameron pushed Suzie down the stairs during this explosive encounter, and when she tried to escape to call her father, he brutally attacked her again.
“He punched me hard in the face, and when I came to, I could taste blood,” Suzie recalled.
The force of the punch had caused her teeth to pierce through her lip, requiring stitches and leaving her in pain for weeks.
Fortunately, a neighbor heard the commotion and contacted emergency services, which ultimately led to Cameron’s arrest.
His violent behavior was captured on CCTV as he kicked Suzie’s car while storming out, only to return for more aggression.
Seeking Justice and Recovery
On September 30, Suzie and Jamie attended court for Cameron’s sentencing.
They were caught off guard when they missed the hearing due to a miscommunication.
Despite their initial skepticism about whether Cameron would serve time, they were relieved to learn he was sentenced to two years.
“I was really surprised when I heard the judge gave him two years. I’m pleased. He wasn’t ever going to learn. He deserves it,” Suzie said.
Reflecting on her experience, Suzie admitted to feeling ashamed to speak out during her relationship, fearing judgment as a mother.
“I was worried people would think I was a bad mum if I reported him,” she confessed.
However, she encouraged others in similar situations to seek help.
“If you’re in my situation, talk to someone. If you can’t contact the police, reach out to your friends.”
Moving Forward
Cameron pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Teesside Crown Court.
His current partner even wrote a character reference for him, and his defense claimed he was intoxicated during the attacks.
Judge Chris Smith emphasized the severity of the domestic abuse, noting the significant mental impact it had on Suzie.
Now, looking back, Suzie can even laugh at the absurdity of the accusations Cameron made during their last fight.
The socks that triggered his outburst belonged to a family friend, and the golf ball was simply a harmless item she found on her lawn.
With a renewed sense of safety and control over her life, Suzie is eager to share her story and inspire others to seek help.
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