Betrayal: Weekly – Episode 30: Tina

Introduction to Tina Maia

In Episode 30 of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning delves into the harrowing story of Tina Maia, a successful e-commerce consultant from the UK whose life was irrevocably changed by deception and betrayal. This episode uncovers Tina's journey from a thriving career and family life to confronting a manipulative individual who shattered her trust and left lasting scars.

Tina's Background and Life Before Betrayal

Tina Maia’s story begins with her rich cultural heritage and diverse life experiences. Born in Iran before the revolution, Tina moved to Southeast England in 1978, where she grew up in a serene, green neighborhood. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively after university, living in countries like Australia, Thailand, India, and Costa Rica. In the 1990s and 2000s, Tina embraced the burgeoning potential of the internet, building a successful career in digital sales that eventually brought her to New York City. There, she met her husband, Spencer Herron, a beloved soccer coach and award-winning teacher. By her mid-30s, Tina and Spencer had a son, Leo, and Tina thrived as a single mother after separating from Spencer to pursue a prestigious job back in the UK.

Meeting Neil Lawman

In 2016, Tina attended a tech conference in London where she met Neil Lawman, a charismatic individual from Essex, often likened to the party persona of "Jersey Shore." Their initial interaction was purely professional, exchanging business cards among numerous contacts. However, Neil's persistent texting led Tina to agree to a casual drink, setting the stage for their brief romance.

Developing Relationship and the Shocking Revelation

Their relationship progressed swiftly, characterized by fun and flirtation. Tina recounts, “I didn't see it as being long-term, serious relationship prospect. It was not where my head was.” However, the revelation came unexpectedly when Tina discovered she was pregnant at 41. Despite Neil’s claims of infertility due to a vasectomy, Tina’s reality was starkly different. At [12:07], she explains, “So I went to the bathroom and read the instructions and then, yeah, popped the lid on. You’re supposed to wait three minutes. Immediately came up pregnant.”

Confronting Neil and His Reaction

Determined to handle the pregnancy independently, Tina decided to inform Neil. Expecting a standard reaction, she instead encountered hostility. At [14:46], Tina describes Neil’s response: “He sent me long, long, long, abusive text messages that I wouldn’t lift a finger to help your child.” Neil vehemently denied paternity, accusing Tina of deceit and harassment. His aggressive behavior escalated, incorporating legal threats and personal attacks, leaving Tina bewildered and hurt.

Tina's Investigation into Neil

Unsettled by Neil's inconsistent stories—such as his claims of infertility despite existing children—Tina initiated a thorough investigation. She discovered discrepancies in Neil’s financial status and familial background. At [26:02], Tina revealed, “It came back that firstly, it said that he only had support pay five pounds a week because he was in receipt of benefits.” Further digging exposed Neil’s deception, including multiple children he fathered under false pretenses and his involvement in fraudulent schemes.

Formation of the Facebook Group and Uncovering Neil's Misconduct

Teaming up with Wendy, Neil's ex-wife, Tina established a Facebook group titled "Neil Dorman Victim Support Group" to connect with other affected individuals. The group became a platform for women to share their experiences, revealing a widespread pattern of manipulation, deceit, and emotional abuse orchestrated by Neil. Tina notes at [38:21], “He would befriend somebody, get into their lives, understand their business, and then take over the business. He would just make a copy of it and then take all the customers and try to start these businesses that were other people's.”

Impact on Tina and Her Children

The betrayal not only affected Tina but also had profound implications for her children. Her newborn daughter, Josephine, faced critical health issues shortly after birth, exacerbating the emotional trauma. Tina’s dedication to her children remained unwavering, even as she navigated the challenges of single motherhood and the emotional fallout from Neil’s deceit. At [45:27], Tina reflects, “What hurts and what causes damage is the lies, not the truth. I've seen it over and over again that a lot of the children, the people, the victims have all been impacted, impacted so negatively by this trail of lies upon lies upon lies.”

Attempts at Legal Justice and Ongoing Struggles

Despite Tina’s efforts to hold Neil accountable, including reporting him to the police and exposing his fraudulent activities, justice remained elusive. Neil’s ability to evade legal repercussions suggested possible deeper manipulations, leaving Tina frustrated and determined to seek truth and closure on her own terms.

Tina's Conclusion and Message

Tina Maia's story is one of resilience and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of profound betrayal. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and the devastating impact of deceit on victims and their families. At the episode's conclusion, Tina shares her motivation for sharing her story: “If I can help one person avoid that pain, avoid going through this situation or to get out before it's something devastating, if I can help one of the mothers out there to feel not alone, that overcomes all of his darkness, all of his lies, I think that can only be a positive thing.”

Notable Quotes

• Tina Maia [02:07]: "There's definitely an element of control. He can walk away, but he can remotely control the rest of your life."

• Andrea Gunning [03:23]: "Her story is also one of community. Along the way, she found a group of other women who'd been deceived and betrayed by the same man."

• Tina Maia [16:32]: "He started to come up with a story when he was in the hospital with his kidney infection. They found cancer cells and how selfish I am and what a horrible person I am for having told him that I was pregnant and that I'm basically killing him."

• Tina Maia [45:27]: "What hurts and what causes damage is the lies, not the truth."

Conclusion

Episode 30 of Betrayal: Weekly masterfully unravels Tina Maia’s profound journey through deceit, resilience, and the quest for truth. Through detailed storytelling and poignant quotes, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of betrayal, highlighting the importance of community and truth in overcoming personal trauma.