Brave Mum Speaks Out After Abuser Walks Free Despite Six Years of Violence and Control
Olivia Grimwade, a 24-year-old mother of two, has shared her harrowing six-year ordeal of abuse and coercion at the hands of Aiden Drew, the father of her children. Drew, 30, subjected Olivia to years of physical and emotional abuse, yet walked free from court this week with a suspended sentence, leaving her devastated and fearful for her future.
In an emotional interview with CornwallLive, Olivia described the years of torment and control she endured, which began shortly after meeting Drew. “From the beginning, he showed controlling traits, but he did love on me, so it wasn’t straight-up abuse at first,” Olivia explained. Over time, Drew’s behavior escalated, becoming violent and increasingly controlling.
The abuse culminated in an incident in 2018, the first time Drew physically assaulted Olivia. “He hit me for the first time in March 2018, and it just carried on from there,” she said. For nearly six years, Olivia felt trapped, unable to escape due to Drew’s violent threats and manipulation. “When I tried to leave, he would lock the house, take the keys, threaten me with violence, and even harm me,” she recalled.
Despite her brave efforts to leave and gather evidence, Drew was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence and a restraining order at Truro Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and coercive control. Charges of assault causing actual bodily harm were dropped as part of his plea deal.
Olivia, who shared photos of the bruises and scars left by Drew, as well as abusive text messages, was left heartbroken by the court’s decision. “I wanted him to get a year for every year he took from me, and he got nothing,” she said. “I just don’t know how to accept that.”
In her victim impact statement, Olivia described the psychological toll of the abuse, revealing that she suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. “I’m paranoid, constantly looking over my shoulder. I can’t settle down. I even carry a rape alarm in case I come across him.”
Reflecting on Drew’s release, Olivia expressed her disbelief and determination to continue seeking justice. “I lost it when I learned he’d walk free. I’m going to keep complaining to the CPS and take it higher until it’s looked at.”
Despite the court’s decision, Olivia’s courage in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to hold abusers accountable and protect survivors.