A mother recounts a harrowing experience during a holiday in Turkey where her ex-partner subjected her to a violent attack, leaving her fearing for her life and the safety of her children.
Helen Mulligan, 48, residing in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, engaged in a fast-paced relationship with Christopher Sergeant, 52, starting from March 2024 when he initiated contact through Facebook. Despite initially finding him charming, Helen noticed a shift in his behavior towards jealousy and control as their relationship progressed.
The couple’s tumultuous dynamics, characterized by frequent breakups and reconciliations, raised concerns among Helen’s loved ones. Reflecting on the relationship, Helen admitted feeling trapped and lost, often reuniting with Sergeant out of guilt.
In August, Helen accompanied Sergeant to Turkey as friends, hoping for a peaceful getaway. However, the situation took a dark turn when Sergeant became agitated and physically assaulted her. Recalling the incident, Helen described how a simple disagreement by the pool escalated into a violent outburst from Sergeant, culminating in physical abuse.
Feeling trapped and terrified, Helen managed to document her injuries and seek help from a friend while enduring further threats and abuse from Sergeant. In a moment of panic and desperation, she eventually found a way to escape the volatile situation and return home to her children.
Following the assault on August 12, Helen promptly reported the incident to Merseyside Police upon her return. Subsequently, Sergeant, hailing from Atherton, Greater Manchester, faced legal consequences, being charged with assault causing actual bodily harm in Turkey. He later pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, issued a restraining order, and ordered to pay court costs.
The traumatic experience left Helen grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to sleep disturbances and haunting flashbacks. Despite the challenges she faces, Helen is focused on her recovery and seeking support to overcome the emotional aftermath of the attack.
