MESSAGES of overwhelming support for assault victim Terri Turner following the birth of her healthy son Noah have come flooding through to the Gazette’s Facebook page.
In the few days after the Gazette posted a photograph of the pair online, over 160 people ‘liked’ the post, sharing it with over 3,100 people and encouraging dozens of congratulatory messages.
Noah was born in the early hours of July 12, 11 days after Terri’s due date of July 1.
Facebook users were also hopeful that the “monster” who attacked the 19-year-old on June 26 - when she was just days away from giving birth and on her way to a midwife appointment - is soon brought to justice.
Well-wisher Dawn Howard said: “Congratulations Terri, what a horrible ordeal you had to go through. I hope they catch him! Enjoy your beautiful baby boy.”
Pauline Stanbridge said: “You’ve got your whole life ahead of you and a beautiful son to boot. You’re better than “it” – you’re a great young lady, and you’ll be a great mum.”
Leslie Hare said: “Terri, you’re an amazing young woman and little Noah is just beautiful, enjoy every moment from here on in and remember, ‘karma’. The person that attacked you will reap their reward.”
Garry Rogers said: “Glad to see the injuries have healed, hope that savage is caught and dealt with, and I wish you well with your little boy. Bless you both.”
It is hoped that the exposure gained from the mass sharing of the photograph will go some way to help identify Terri’s attacker.
Shortly after the attack, Terri told the Gazette: “He’s a monster. He’s not a man. Not a man at all.”
He is described as 5ft 5ins tall, white, of skinny build, with short dark hair.
He was wearing blue jeans and a light coloured top – possibly grey or khaki – when the assault took place in Dog Kennel Walk.
Central Beds Council have since said that they plan to introduce CCTV and more natural light to the notorious cut-through pathway between Dunstable and Houghton Regis.
Anyone with information is urged to call Det Con Gail Hawthorn, investigating, on 01582 473386.
To see the full response to the news – and to leave your own message of support – visit www.facebook.com/dunstablegazette.
