A domestic violence survivor has bravely spoken out after her 'monster' abuser struck her to the head with an axe - leaving her 'absolutely petrified' and too scared to go out alone.
The 45-year-old mum was lucky to survive after Wayne Ahearne brutally attacked her with the weapon in a drug-fuelled rampage.
He came at her with so much force, that the weapon became embedded in her skull.
She was left with a collapsed lung, six broken ribs, a huge cut across her head, a fractured spine and multiple facial fractures.
A judge said the attack was the worse case of domestic violence he had ever seen, other than cases in which someone was killed. A detective also said her injuries were some of the 'worst she's ever seen'.
As Ahearne starts a lengthy 30-year prison sentence, the victim, from Wigan, has now spoken of her relief that he is now behind bars.
She said she has been left 'vulnerable and anxious' after the attack, and still can't go anywhere on her own.
"He was a monster. I can't remember the attack - I woke up in hospital and my family were absolutely devastated about what had happened", the victim said.
"Before the attack, I'd met him through a friend and started seeing him in December.
"It started by him smashing a window in my home and I thought it wasn't right.
"Then I later found out he'd taken my bank card without telling me and even strangled me the week before but I didn't report it.
"I thought he was going to kill me and I was absolutely petrified of him and any repercussions or retaliation.
"If it wasn't for the police and all the work they've done - I wouldn't be here today.
"The hospital said if I hadn't got medical attention when I did, it could have been a lot worse.
"I wouldn't wish what happened to me on anyone."
The victim, from Wigan, added: "Going out with family has helped me - especially going shopping as I love going shopping.
"However, I do keep having flashbacks where I think I'm seeing him or he's walking past me but the support services I've used have taught me how to ground myself and they're beginning to go."
She hopes that by speaking out, she will encourage other victims to contact the police.
She said without their help, she doesn't think she'd still be alive today.
"I've had so much support from the police, the NHS, my family, witness care and an independent violent worker who have all gone above and beyond.
"If it wasn't for DC Sarah Lloyd and DS Claire Hughes and the work they've done for me, I probably wouldn't have come forward", she said.
"I'd say to anyone going through anything similar, don't hide behind closed doors. It's ok saying - he only hit me - but it could progress into much worse than that. That's often just the start.
"I was so vulnerable at the time and I was so angry after I realised what'd happened but there are so many services out there that can help and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
"Yesterday's sentencing has meant a monster like him has got what he deserves."
Ahearne was found guilty of attempted murder at Minshull Street Crown Court.
The court was told how the 55-year-old left his victim for dead to 'save his own skin', after he forced another man to withdraw money from her account as she lay injured.
Police were told he had 'knocked the living s*** out of [her]'.
About 24 hours before the attack, in March this year, he issued a chilling threat, telling her: "You better get my money or I will cave your head in."
Remorseless Ahearn will have to serve two-thirds of his 30 year sentence in jail, before the Parole Board decide whether it is safe to release him.
He was also sentenced to an extra three years on licence.
"Ahearne's actions can only be described as monstrous and this assault was the work of a dreadful man"
Detective Constable Sarah Lloyd, from Wigan CID, led the investigation and described the victim's injuries as some of the 'worst she's ever seen'.
DC Lloyd said: "The victim's bravery in this case after everything she's been through has been absolutely commendable and I am so pleased we've helped her get justice.
"I could see - and still can - what the incident has done to both the victim and her family and I wanted to get the best result possible. I've worked on many domestic abuse cases but the injuries in this case were some of the worst I'd ever seen.
"Ahearne's actions can only be described as monstrous and this assault was the work of a dreadful man. This case highlights the extent of violence that can occur behind closed doors and thankfully we've removed another dangerous individual from our streets and potentially stop any further harm being inflicted on women.
"When I first started this investigation, the victim was an extremely vulnerable woman with absolutely no confidence but now I can see how strong she is and her confidence is slowly starting to come back.
"GMP is committed to keeping women safe I hope today's sentencing sends a message and a stark warning that GMP will not tolerate domestic abuse in any form and we will do all in our power to bring offenders to justice. I would urge anyone suffering behind closed doors to report it or access services available to get the support they may need."
