News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A mum was beaten with an iron bar and forced to eat paint in a campaign of abuse by her vile footballer boyfriend.

Danielle Thomas was left battered and bruised at the hands of Reece Thompson during the three-day ordeal and still has flashbacks to the brutal attack one year on.

The 33-year-old mum-of-two feared for her life, suffered a broken jaw and severe bruising, reports Lincolnshire Live.

Thompson, who has taken to the field for Retford United, Boston United and Guiseley AFC in the past, also smashed two mirrors over her head.

The 25-year-old was jailed for 40 months after he pleaded guilty to damaging property, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on April 3.

(Image: LincolnshireLive/ WS)

He was also handed a 10-year restraining order.

Now, Danielle, who wished to remain anonymous when she told her story earlier this year, has come forward to reveal the impact it has had on her life.

"I had therapy once a week which helped me lots as I thought I deserved what I got," she said.

"I blamed myself for the violence.

"I now realise it wasn't my fault and I didn't deserve it.

(Image: LincolnshireLive/ WS)

"I no longer receive therapy but my daughter still does.

"I'm not doing too well at the moment as it was a year on from the attack on September 12.

"I have flashbacks."

Danielle hopes that speaking out will help other victims of domestic violence realise there is a way out.

She said: "I had a lot of people contact me after breaking the story and had three separate messages thanking me and it encouraged them to get away from a relationship they felt trapped in.

"If I can help just one woman or man then I'll be proud.

(Image: LincolnshireLive/ WS)

"I want these victims of abuse to know that they're not alone.

"It's important to point out that it's not just physical abuse but mental abuse too.

"You can speak out and there is support available to victims and the therapy is extremely helpful."

Danielle said Thompson rubbed glass into her back and threatened to make her run down the street naked.

Police were called and she was taken to a refuge before Thompson was later jailed.

She previously said: "Reece repeatedly hit me.

(Image: Lincolnshire Live/MEN Media)

"He hit me with an iron bar, broke my jaw and smashed a mirror over my head.

"I was made to lick paint up off the floor and then he smashed another mirror over my head.

"It was when he picked up the second mirror that I thought I was going to die, I screamed for him to stop or he would kill me.

"He told me to get my arms down and take the beating like a real person."

Thompson began his career as a trainee at Lincoln City before going on to make a name for himself at Retford United.

(Image: Lincolnshire Live/MEN Media)

He went on to represent York City in League 2 and North Ferriby United in the National League.

The footballer then signed for Guiseley AFC in the Vanarama National League North and had been living in Bircotes at the time of his arrest.

He also made appearances for Boston United during a season-long loan.

He was jailed for three years and four months, handed a 10-year restraining order and sacked from his job at Guiseley AFC.