A woman who survived a terrifying attack by her husband fears she's "lost the ability to laugh and love like she used to".
Nezam Ghalate stabbed his wife of 25 years, in a frenzied attack on the night of January 8, inside the home they shared on Ellison Villas in Gateshead.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Shahla Derakshsan had been sleeping when paranoid Ghalate woke her up and began screaming at her. He then tried to place a pillow over her head before stabbing her 11 times.
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Emergency services raced to the scene after receiving a 999 call with officers finding Shahla slumped on the floor upstairs, with Ghalate nearby.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation and Ghalate was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
On June 17 this year, the 53-year-old appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty and he re-appeared at the same court where he was jailed for 20 years, and must serve two thirds in custody.
A victim impact statement, written by Shahla said: “This night I thought I was going to die.
"Nezam stabbed me so many times to the face, neck, arms and shoulder. He fractured my right arm and left me in such a state of distress and I was hospitalised for over a week.
“I have scars to my face and my body and I’m embarrassed about them and afraid that someone will ask me about them so I try to hide them.
“Although my physical injuries have caused me unmeasurable distress, I worry my mental ones are worse.”
The court heard it was the couple's 18-year-old daughter who saved her from the brutal attack.
The teenager heard Shahla screaming before entering the room and witnessing the brutal attack.
Despite using various objects to try and stop the attack, the teen eventually resorted to stabbing him in the head, the court was told.
Shahla, who has since moved out of the property, as she couldn’t bear to see the scene of the crime, added: “There’s a part of me that worries I’ve lost the ability to love and laugh like I used to.
“I loved Nezam for the full 25 years we were married. I looked after him and cared for him through his issues and took him back when he assaulted me.
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“I always forgave him when he did bad things but I feel so guilty and don’t know why he did this to me.
"In my country, it’s the men who have the power and this is why Nezam thought he had power over me. But when we came here, he lost his power. When I wanted a divorce, he would prefer to kill me than do that.
“I have thought about whether I hate Nezam – I hate what he has done to me, and I never want to see him again. I want him to go to prison for a long time, so I don’t have to fear him anymore.
“It makes me so angry he’s caused me to lose so much of myself.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all the officers who helped me and have supported me through this. They’ve worked so hard for this result and I am so grateful.”
For free and confidential advice and support contact Northumbria Victim and Witness Services on 0800 011 3116.
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