Man scalded by ex says 'no shame' in domestic violence

A man left permanently scarred after his wife poured scalding water over him has said being attacked by a woman is "nothing to be ashamed of".

Ken Gregory, 65, suffered first and second degree burns to 14 per cent of his body after his wife Teresa Gilbertson poured boiling water over him in his bungalow in Peterborough.

Releasing pictures of his injuries, that stretch from his scalp to lower back, he said he decided to speak out to challenge the stigma of men who are victims of abuse.

Mr Gregory's now ex-wife Teresa Gilbertson, 60, is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent following the attack on March 23 last year.

Retired BT manager Mr Gregory said he decided to speak out to challenge the stigma surrounding male victims of domestic abuse.

On the day of the attack, the couple had mutually decided to divorce after arguments about finances and chores and Gilbertson offered to make a cup of tea.

Mr Gregory, who has limited mobility due to arthritis, turned down the offer but his wife left the room and returned with a jug of freshly-boiled water.

Without warning, she tipped it over his head, then stood back and told him "There you go", he told a trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

Mr Gregory said: "I was sitting with my back to her and it came without warning.

"It was unbearable, searing pain - I'd never known anything like it."

Three weeks earlier, Mr Gregory needed hospital treatment after Gilbertson threw a cup of tea over him while he slept, in what she claimed was an accident.

Gilbertson will be sentenced on March 24 after being found guilty earlier this month.