Fans of the new ITV true crime drama Until I Kill You have flooded social media to highlight a "crazy" issue depicted in the show, calling for urgent reform. The series, inspired by actual events, tells the harrowing tale of London nurse Delia Balmer, portrayed by Anna Maxwell Martin , who endures days of agony at the hands of her ex-partner John Sweeney as he keeps her captive in her flat. The nightmare escalates when Sweeney, having been released on bail, ambushes her with an axe and knife right outside her home.
Despite the severity of his assault on Delia, Sweeney's nine-year sentence has left viewers in disbelief. One person posted online: "How can someone be given 4 life sentences and be eligible for parole in 9 years? It’s crazy," while another expressed their astonishment: "Four life sentences. What?!?! Eligible for parole in nine years?!!!" Another commenter lamented the ongoing plight of male violence victims, stating: "I’d like to say that victims of male violence are not treated like this anymore but sadly I’d be wrong.
Let down by the criminal justice system time & time again. We need it to stop." Delia Balmer has openly expressed her fury towards the criminal justice system, equating it with her anger towards Sweeney himself.
In a candid interview for the series, she revealed: "I remain an angry person. Sweeney was let out on bail. The police gave me insufficient protection before his final assault.
Later, I was forced to go to court to be further traumati.