A woman has bravely spoken out after being attacked by her ex-partner and says the ordeal has put her "through hell".

Saskia Reay, 32, said she has experienced long-lasting effects of abuse, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after being assaulted by Stuart Holdstock, 34, who she had been in a relationship with.

Holdstock, of Darwen Road in Bromley Cross, was found guilty of assault by beating at a trial at Bolton Magistrates Court on Friday, June 16 after denying the charge.

He was found not guilty of intentional strangulation.

The court heard that the assault on Ms Reay, who now lives in Bury, took place on September 15 last year.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £562 and a restraining order preventing him from contacting Ms Reay was made until September 15, 2024.

Ms Reay said: "I've been diagnosed with PTSD.

"I don't want anyone to go through what I've gone through.

"I'm happy he got a guilty verdict, at least he got convicted.

"It's literally put me through hell, it has changed me as a person.

Bury Times: Ms Reay's ex-partner, Stuart Holdstock, was convicted of assault by beatingMs Reay's ex-partner, Stuart Holdstock, was convicted of assault by beating (Image: Public)

"Sometimes when going up the road from home and it's busy, I have to turn back because I can't handle being around lots of people." 

She added: "It has made me worry, I struggle to meet people now for relationships and friendships, I don't trust anyone because I feel like I'm going to get assaulted at the time.

"Obviously it helps me because of the hell that I had gone through.

"It's a massive relief that I was listened to and believed. It's just appalling.

"It scarred me, one day I will move on but I don't know when yet. 

"I just don't want anyone to go through what I went through, it's horrendous."

Ms Reay also reserved praise for the justice system.

She added: "The courts and the CPS were amazing and I got a lot of support from the witness team."

If someone is in immediate danger, the best advice is always to call 999.

If you are suffering domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit their website at: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/