Violent man strangled partner on Majorca holiday while she held their baby son
A family holiday to Majorca turned terrifying when a 34-year-old man, Liam Winstone, violently strangled his partner after she forgot to pack his lighter. The horrendous incident unfolded while she was holding their baby son, leaving her in fear for her life. The victim recounted feeling as though she was “going to die” as Winstone squeezed her throat tightly until she nearly lost consciousness. The assault occurred during a holiday where the couple, who were engaged and shared children, had been attempting to salvage their relationship. However, the trip took a dark turn, leading to a traumatic experience that scarred the victim.
The series of events that led to the harrowing incident took place on a seemingly ordinary day during their vacation in Majorca. Prosecutor Sophie Keegan revealed that Winstone became enraged when the victim inadvertently forgot to include his requested lighter. This minor oversight escalated as they returned to their hotel, resulting in Winstone callously discarding the engagement ring the victim had attempted to return to him, leading to a confrontation that turned violent. The situation deteriorated further as Winstone, in a fit of anger, verbally abused the victim, blocking her attempts to leave the room. The distressing episode culminated in Winstone physically attacking the victim, putting her and their baby in grave danger.
The victim’s ordeal worsened as Winstone, in a fit of rage, resorted to strangling her, disregarding the presence of their helpless infant. The victim’s harrowing experience was compounded by the physical and emotional trauma she endured during the assault. The effects of the attack lingered long after the incident, manifesting in severe mental health repercussions. Winstone’s actions left a lasting impact on the victim, leading to a deterioration of her mental well-being, marked by anxiety, depression, and ongoing psychological distress. The victim’s poignant statement to the court shed light on the profound and lasting repercussions of Winstone’s violent actions, painting a stark picture of the emotional turmoil she continues to endure in the aftermath.
After his arrest upon returning to the UK, Winstone faced sentencing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where Judge Jeremy Jenkins condemned his reprehensible behaviour. The judge underscored the severity of Winstone’s actions, emphasising the cowardice inherent in attacking a woman, leading to an unequivocal verdict of a custodial sentence. Winstone, a former Armed Forces member with a history of previous convictions, was handed a 27-month prison term and a restraining order that will be in effect for the next five years. The sentencing marked a measure of justice for the victim, offering a semblance of closure following the traumatic incident that marred what was meant to be a peaceful family holiday.
The repercussions of domestic violence reverberate far beyond the immediate physical harm inflicted, leaving deep emotional scars that endure long after the bruises fade. Winstone’s brutal actions serve as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of intimate partner violence and the urgent need for robust measures to combat such heinous acts. The courage displayed by the victim in seeking justice highlights the importance of supporting survivors of domestic abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible actions. As communities rally to condemn such abhorrent behaviour, it is imperative to stand in solidarity with survivors, offering unwavering support in their journey towards healing and justice.