Hero Danielle Hutley said she "didn't think twice" about going to the aid of woman being drowned in a bog

A PREGNANT woman hailed a hero by a court judge after she stopped a mentally ill man from drowning his wife in a New Forest bog has spoken to the A&T about the horrific incident.

Rescuer Danielle Hutley (27), who was 33 weeks pregnant at the time, explained how she rushed into the thigh-high mud after seeing the couple struggling together.

She has recounted her story after the conviction and sentencing of Awaas Deader (27) for the attempted murder of Rabia Niaz (30).

Danielle, from Calshot, was praised by a judge at Southampton Crown Court alongside Kayleigh Arney, Chelsea Turner and Joshua McCullie for their bravery which he said “no question” saved the life of Rabia.

Danielle said: “I was driving back from Sway where I had been attending my horses. I suddenly saw this couple in the bog.

“The man seemed to be trying to hold her down. I just stopped my car and rushed to help her.

“She was in a really bad way, covered in mud and there was blood pouring out of her mouth. She couldn’t talk she was just screaming.

“I really think if myself and the others hadn’t got to her, she would not have made it.”

Judge Christopher Parker QC awarded Danielle and Ms Arney £750 each for their rescue efforts, which will be funded from the High Sheriff’s Awards.

He said the money reflected “the depths they literally went to” to rescue Rabia, who suffered fractures to her jaw and eye socket.

Ms Turner and Mr McCullie will each receive £500 for their help.

Deader was found guilty by a jury of attempting to murder Rabia on 11th October last year at Rollestone Road, near Beaulieu.

The court heard Deader, of Blenheim Gardens, Southampton, was a schizophrenic who had suffered a sharp decline in his mental health in the months leading up to the attack.

Danielle said the couple’s car was parked opposite the bog where the assault took place.

She said: “I didn’t think twice when I saw them. I am a trained first aider, so I plunged into the mud and got my mum, Sharon Angel, who was with me, to pass me medical equipment I had in my vehicle.

“I didn’t think about being pregnant, I just knew this woman needed help.

“She seemed totally worn out, the mud was really thick and hard to get through. Another lady and I supported her so she didn’t slip down into it.

“She was exhausted and distressed. She seemed about to give up and was passing in and out of consciousness.

“The other lady kept her talking while I attempted to treat her injuries until the police and ambulance got there.”

Danielle said Deader “seemed to be in shock”, adding: “He was just sat in the mud rocking back and forth.

“The mud was disgusting, filthy and smelly. When I got home, I showered for ages. I was really shocked at what had happened and worried about the woman.”

A couple of days later Danielle was given a check up by her midwife who told her the baby was fine. She gave a statement about what she had witnessed to the police.

Danielle, who gave birth to a son in January this year, said she had not realised the man was trying to kill his wife until the trial started.

She said: “I was really shocked. I hope the lady is okay now.”

Deader had admitted attacking his wife, to whom he had been married for around three years, but claimed insanity. He was given an indefinite hospital order.

DC Jess Swift, of Hampshire police, called Deader’s attack “sustained and abhorrent”.

She said: “I have no doubt that it is a result of the brave actions of those members of public who were passing and intervened that resulted in the victim surviving the attack on her.

“My praise and thanks goes out to them.”