07 May 2024 , 18:45
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Hairdresser Hollie Gazzard was horrifically knifed to death in the salon where she worked.
In February 2014, Hollie's ex-boyfriend Asher Maslin, 22, repeatedly stabbed her with a 12-inch kitchen knife at the end of her shift at Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty salon in Gloucester. Two hours later, she tragically died as a result of massive blood loss, despite the enormous efforts of medics at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Hollie had been in a relationship with Maslin for a year but had broken up with him on Valentine's Day in 2014 after he became controlling and abusive. Just days later, he turned up at her work to murder her. Tonight, Channel 5's documentary, Stalked: The Murder at the Salon, explores Maslin's history of violence that led to her tragic death.
Asher Maslin, 22, stabbed her 14 times with a kitchen knife (PA)
Hollie broke up with her abusive ex just days before (SWNS.com)Hollie and Asher met in January 2013 at a bar where she was working part-time. Her friends and family recalled her falling for him instantly, despite her mum Mandy instantly recognising him as having a "reputation as a bad boy".
Hollie had landed her dream job as a hairdresser on a cruise ship and was excited to go, but a week into it, she called and asked for her dad to arrange flights home. Her dad Nick told Channel 5: "We believe that he bombarded her with texts, calls and FaceTime that got into her head and persuaded her to come home."
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When Hollie returned from the cruise, Maslin became possessive and would turn up when she went for nights out with her friends. He tried to stop her from seeing her family, and once when her parents called to ask to take her out for lunch, they heard violent Maslin say: "Don't let them take you away from me."
On February 14, 2014, Hollie decided to break up with Maslin in a public place, but he became angry in the restaurant and told her she had a "cold heart". He proceeded to steal her bank card and took out £300. The killer began bombarding Hollie with threatening texts. One read: "Give me a ring now or dis bat is gonna hit your dad's head."
Another read: "I don't want to get f***ing violent as I'll take it too far." Hollie reported Maslin to the police three days before she was stabbed to death, but they were unable to locate him. Then just minutes before murdering her, Maslin sent her sister's partner a chilling message that said: "I warned you all."
It's well reported that leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. According to Women's Aid, 41 percent of women killed by a male partner or former partner in the UK in 2018 had separated or taken steps to leave them. A third of these victims were murdered within the first month of separation.
Hollie, 20, was attacked in the Gloucester salon where she worked (PA)
Maslin sent her sister's partner a chilling text minutes beforeAround 6.30pm on February 18, calculated Maslin walked into the salon where Hollie worked with a 12-inch kitchen knife. Tragically, she had been expecting him to turn up and told her boss to call the police. The vicious attack only lasted two minutes as he stabbed her 14 times. She was sadly pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
In July 2014, Maslin pleaded guilty and was ordered to serve a minimum 24-year sentence for Hollie's murder at Gloucester Crown Court. It was revealed that he had been arrested 23 times prior for cases of domestic violence, criminal damage, theft and possession of Class A drugs.
He was involved in 24 violent incidents - three involving Hollie, 12 involving one former partner, two involving another ex, three involving his mother and four against other unconnected people. Hollie's family has since set up a foundation in Hollie's name to campaign on behalf of victims of stalkers, the Hollie Gazzard Trust.
- Stalked: The Murder at the Salon airs on repeat on Channel 5 at 10pm tonight.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, and it's important to remember you're not alone. If you are in immediate danger call 999 and ask for the police. For free, confidential advice, 24 hours a day contact a domestic abuse helpline.