After the festive season, Kerry King, 39, discovered bruises on her daughter’s legs. The young girl revealed that her mother’s boyfriend had been mistreating her. Knowing her partner John Purdy’s violent tendencies from her own experiences, Kerry confronted him about the bruises, but he dismissed them as an accident.
Just days later, Purdy viciously attacked Lilah, Kerry’s daughter. Despite being a victim of domestic violence herself, Kerry found herself being pursued by the police along with Purdy, who accused her of failing to protect her child from him.
In a harrowing incident in January 2015, Kerry woke up to find Purdy strangling her daughter in her bedroom. She tried to intervene, but her efforts only enraged him further. Purdy then demanded that Kerry hold down Lilah while he beat her. Feeling trapped by fear and previous abuse, Kerry reluctantly complied but eventually shielded her daughter from the blows and attempted to escape for help.
Purdy prevented Kerry from leaving, threatening her with violence if she tried. Despite her attempts to seek help discreetly, Purdy continued his assault on Lilah, leaving her severely injured. Kerry’s housemate eventually contacted the authorities, leading to Lilah receiving medical attention.
Purdy received an 18-year prison sentence for his crimes, while Kerry faced a harsher punishment for her perceived failure to protect her daughter. Kerry maintained her innocence during the trial but was convicted and sentenced to two concurrent 30-year terms.
Lilah, now 11, visits her imprisoned mother monthly, expressing her sadness over the situation. She longs for in-person interactions with her mom and struggles with the separation.
For confidential support, individuals can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk.