A mother-of-two from Cornwall, Tina Nash, was left blinded and scarred for life by her former partner, Shane Jenkin, after a violent attack in April 2011. This brutal assault, during which he held her hostage for 12 hours, strangled her, broke her nose and jaw, and gouged out her eyes, took place while her two sons were sleeping in the next room. Jenkin, 45, admitted to grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of six years in 2012. Despite being rejected for parole six times, the Parole Board for England and Wales transferred him to an open prison in early March this year, sparking fear and concern in Ms Nash.
Ms Nash expressed her worries for her safety and the safety of other women following Jenkin’s relocation to an open prison. She shared her concerns, stating, “I’m really scared because I don’t think he’ll leave it, especially because I’ve spoken out about what he’s done.” The decision to move Jenkin to an open prison has been met with criticism from criminal behavioural analyst Laura Richards, who described the move as appalling. Richards emphasized the focus should be on Ms Nash’s right to safety rather than Jenkin’s right to freedom, given the severity of his violent acts.
Detailing the abusive relationship she endured, Ms Nash recalled the first eight months with Jenkin as loving until he turned violent in April 2010. She described a year of constant beatings, strangulations, and police interventions that left her feeling constantly on edge. Reflecting on the night of the attack, Ms Nash recounted the horrific moment she realized she had been blinded by Jenkin’s unspeakable actions. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and reconstructive procedures, her life has been irreversibly altered, with lingering physical and emotional trauma that continues to affect her to this day.
The Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the crime, expressing sympathy towards Ms Nash and affirming that all prisoners undergo comprehensive risk assessments before any transfer to open conditions. Ms Nash, now 44, has set up a fundraiser to enhance security measures at her home in anticipation of Jenkin’s potential release. Her harrowing experience serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impacts of domestic violence, illustrating the complex challenges survivors face in rebuilding their lives after such traumatic events.
The story of Tina Nash’s resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable trauma sheds light on the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence and the urgent need for stronger protections for survivors. As she continues to navigate the aftermath of her ordeal, Ms Nash’s courage in sharing her story serves as a beacon of hope for others affected by similar experiences. The case also highlights the broader societal responsibility to address and prevent domestic abuse, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that survivors receive the support and protection they deserve.