Tina Nash, a mother from Cornwall, was left permanently blind after a horrific attack by her ex-partner Shane Jenkin in 2011. The brutal assault, which lasted 12 hours, saw Jenkin gouge out her eyes, strangle her, and break her nose and jaw while her two young sons slept in the next room.
Now, more than a decade later, Tina Nash fears for her safety after learning that Jenkin has been moved to an open prison, a decision that has sparked outrage and concern among legal experts and women’s rights advocates.
Shane Jenkin, who pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of six years. Despite having multiple parole bids rejected, he was recently transferred to an open prison, meaning he could be granted temporary leave under specific conditions.
For Nash, this news has been devastating. She believes Shane Jenkin remains a threat and worries that he may seek to harm her again. “I think that he has been sitting there this whole entire time kicking himself that he did not finish me off,” she said in a recent interview.
The Attack That Changed Everything
Tina Nash met Shane Jenkin in 2009 at a club in Penzance. Initially, their relationship seemed loving, but within months, he became violent and controlling. Over time, the abuse escalated, culminating in the savage attack in April 2011.
On the night of the assault, Jenkin rolled Nash in a blanket, strangled her, and repeatedly beat her. He then gouged out her eyes, leaving her blind for life. Nash has no recollection of the exact moment it happened.
“I don’t remember him jumping on me. I don’t remember him beating me. I don’t remember him gouging my eyes out. I don’t remember him rolling me up. He thought I was dead.”
After enduring hours of violence, she was finally able to call for help once he stopped. Emergency services arrived to find her in critical condition. Despite multiple surgeries, doctors were unable to save her eyesight.
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Since then, Nash has undergone reconstructive procedures, including the implantation of prosthetic eyes, but the psychological and emotional trauma remains ever-present.
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The attack not only left her physically impaired but also emotionally shattered. She has struggled with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD. The once-vibrant woman, who loved music and DJing, has been forced to live in fear and uncertainty ever since.
“The amount of days and years that I sat downstairs on my own on the edge of the sofa, tortured, shaking, freaking out – he’ll never know what he’s done to me,” she said.
A Controversial Decision: Moving Jenkin to an Open Prison
In March 2024, Nash was informed that Shane Jenkin had been moved to an open prison, allowing him more freedoms, including the possibility of temporary release for work or family visits. The news has left her terrified and feeling betrayed by the justice system. “I don’t think he’ll leave it, especially because I’ve spoken out about what he’s done,” she stated.
The decision has also been met with criticism from legal experts and domestic violence advocates. Laura Richards, a criminal behavioral analyst and former head of the Homicide Prevention Unit of the Metropolitan Police, expressed her deep concern.
“I’m extremely concerned about the decision to move Jenkin to an open prison, readying him for release after such a short time and given his appalling and sadistic violent acts to Tina,” she said.
Richards and others argue that there is too much emphasis on Jenkin’s right to rehabilitation and eventual freedom, while Nash’s right to safety and peace of mind has been overlooked. Many fear that if he is released, he could pose a serious risk to Nash and other women.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice defended the decision, stating that all prisoners, including those serving life sentences, must pass rigorous risk assessments before being transferred to open conditions.
They also assured that any prisoner who fails to adhere to the rules would be sent back to a closed prison. However, for Nash, these reassurances do little to ease her fear.
Fighting for Safety and Justice
Since learning of Shane Jenkin’s transfer, Tina Nash has taken steps to increase her personal security. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for security improvements at her home, fearing that she may need additional measures to protect herself in the event of Jenkin’s release.
“I try every single day to stay positive, but no matter what, it’s still always there, and it’s not going away,” she said. She continues to live with the trauma of the attack, struggling with nightmares and flashbacks. Every night, she dreams as if she has just lost her sight again, reliving the horror repeatedly.
Her case has reignited discussions about the justice system’s handling of violent offenders, particularly those convicted of domestic abuse. Many argue that leniency in such cases puts victims at continued risk and undermines the severity of the crimes committed.
Advocates are calling for stricter regulations regarding the parole and rehabilitation of violent offenders, emphasizing the need for victim protection. They argue that Nash’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by allowing such individuals to transition too quickly into less restrictive prison environments.
As she continues to fight for justice, Nash remains determined to protect herself and her children from any potential harm. Her story serves as a harrowing example of the long-lasting impact of domestic violence and the need for a justice system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims over the rights of violent offenders.
For now, Nash waits in fear, hoping that those in power will reconsider their decision before it’s too late. Her plea is simple: no one should have to live in terror of their past coming back to haunt them.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏