A man described as a skilled manipulator carved his initials into his girlfriend’s leg with a knife before requesting affection from her. James Freeman, a heavy drinker, was said to be content with his actions that caused severe wounds to the woman’s leg, leaving her leg tissue exposed. Freeman, 27, residing in Hull, is currently in custody after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including causing grievous bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm, intentional suffocation, and assault.
According to prosecutor Hannah Turner, Freeman and the woman began their relationship in September 2024, with the woman moving into his residence the following month. Turner noted that their relationship was tumultuous. In an incident in May of last year, while intoxicated, Freeman used a knife to cut the woman’s leg, even carving his initials into her skin. Despite the woman’s pleas, Freeman continued the assault, causing deep lacerations on her thigh.
Following the attack, Freeman demanded affection from the victim, displaying a sense of satisfaction with his actions. The woman, in a state of panic, locked herself in the bathroom as Freeman urged her to come out and be affectionate. Despite the severity of the injury, Freeman discouraged the victim from seeking immediate medical attention, claiming it would raise suspicion.
In another alarming incident, Freeman drove his car aggressively towards the woman, causing her to fear for her safety. The woman’s grandfather contacted the authorities after one of the incidents. Freeman’s defense lawyer acknowledged his client’s inappropriate behavior and stated that Freeman recognized his issues and the harm he caused.
Freeman was sentenced to two years in prison and received a five-year restraining order. The victim’s grandfather expressed concerns about Freeman’s behavior towards young women, labeling him a self-professed sociopath. The grandfather emphasized the distress and fear the victim experienced due to Freeman’s actions, stating his lack of empathy and understanding. He warned that Freeman’s manipulative behavior was likely to recur in the future.
