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 tortured, stabbed and smeared with butter during a horrific ordeal at the hands of her manipulative boyfriend.

Crystal Dixon had a Stanley knife plunged into her thigh and was stabbed in the neck with a fork during the terrifying two-hour attack.

The shaking victim was also humiliated by Darren Weatherston, who smeared her face with butter and orange juice, the Evening Chronicle reports.

Weatherston, 33, warned Miss Dixon “I will torture you until the night is out” before warning her she would need a “closed casket” by the time he had finished with her.

When she tried to flee the flat where she was being held, Newcastle Crown Court heard Weatherston chased after her, holding a knife to her throat as he led her back.

It was only when two passing strangers spotted her panic and punched Weatherston to the ground, that she was able to finally flee to safety.

Weatherston, of Shipley Rise, Byker, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill, wounding with intent, false imprisonment and witness intimidation.

He was jailed for four-and-a-half years with a two-and-a-half year extended licence period.

Judge John Evans said: “You are a danger to the public, essentially people with whom you form a close relationship. That is a danger I have to address.

“There is no doubt that your behaviour on that day was appalling and she was terrified as a result.”

The court heard the attack happened at a friend’s home where the pair were staying.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said: “They were both sitting on the settee in the living area and the defendant had a fork in his hand and began to stab her neck, ear and jaw.

“She had butter smeared around her face.

“She needed to use the toilet but he told her she would have to urinate herself.

“He threw a bottle of orange at her and refused to allow her to change.

“He was hitting her legs and arms with his fists.

“He said when she did finally leave the house he would give her a ‘Chelsea smile’, which she knew was a cut from the lips to ear.”

The court heard during the ordeal Miss Dixon managed to dial 999 from her mobile and operators were able to hear Weatherston “get off the floor”, “you are going nowhere”.

When Weatherston realised his victim was trying to get help, the call was disconnected which meant police were unable to trace her location.

Weatherston went on to cut Miss Dixon on her thigh with a Stanley knife.

Mr Wardlaw added: “He said by the time she left she would give her daughter nightmares, would need a closed casket and he said he would stab her.”

Miss Dixon eventually escaped through a kitchen window,

Geoff Knowles, defending, said Weatherston has a history of drink and drug misuse and has been taken wrongly prescribed medication for many years.