Tina Nash, a 44-year-old mother from Cornwall, has expressed deep concerns for her safety following the transfer of her ex-partner, Shane Jenkin, to an open prison. Jenkin, 45, was convicted in 2012 for a brutal attack that left Nash blinded, in which he held her hostage for 12 hours, strangled her, and gouged out her eyes while their two sons were asleep in the next room.

The attack occurred in April 2011, and was described by Nash as an event that “completely ruined” her life. After pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm, Jenkin was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of six years. Despite having his parole applications rejected six times, he was moved to an open prison in early March 2023.

In an open prison setting, inmates are permitted to leave for short periods, either for work or to attend to family matters. Following Jenkin’s transfer, Nash articulated her fears, remarking, “I’m really scared,” stating that unbeknownst to her, he might still harbour intentions to harm her. She said, “I think he has been sitting there this whole entire time kicking himself that he did not finish me off.”

Laura Richards, a criminal behavioural analyst and former head of the Homicide Prevention Unit of the Metropolitan Police, has publicly expressed her dismay regarding the decision to relocate Jenkin. Speaking to the press, Richards stated, “I’m extremely concerned about the decision to move Jenkin to an open prison… There is too much weight and focus on Jenkin’s ‘right to freedom’ rather than where it should be, on Tina’s right to life and safety and the safety of the public.”

Nash recounted the events leading to her horrific injury, detailing how their relationship turned volatile after an initial loving phase. On the night of the attack, she described being rolled in a blanket and subjected to violence. “I didn’t even know I was a victim,” she recalled. She underwent multiple surgeries following the incident but ultimately lost her eyesight and now has prosthetic eyes.

The impact of the attack has had long-lasting effects on Nash’s mental health, as she continues to cope with panic attacks and anxiety. She highlighted her struggle to maintain a positive outlook, stating, “I try every single day to stay positive, but no matter what, it’s still always there.”

In response to her concerns regarding Jenkin’s potential release, Nash has initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to secure her home and enhance her safety measures. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice commented on the situation, reaffirming that all prisoners undergo rigorous risk assessments before any transition to open conditions, and that authorities would not hesitate to revert any inmate back to a closed prison should they breach regulations.

Nash’s story, marked by the violence of her past and her ongoing battle with the aftermath of her injuries, underscores the complexities surrounding decisions related to prisoners’ rights and public safety.

Source: Noah Wire Services