Woman blinded in attack speaks out

A WOMAN blinded in a vicious attack by her boyfriend has urged other victims of domestic not to suffer in silence.

Tina Nash, 31, spoke out as Shane Jenkin began a life sentence for the unprovoked assault in which he gouged out her eyes with his fingers.

The 33-year-old also throttled her until she became unconscious and broke her jaw and nose during the attack at her home in Hayle, Cornwall, in April last year.

Ms Nash, who is the mother of two boys, spoke movingly of how her life had changed irreversibly but said others must not go through what she did. “I urge anyone out there suffering domestic abuse to contact the police before it is too late,” she said in a statement read on her behalf outside Truro Crown Court. Don’t be frightened or embarrassed – there are specially trained officers who can and will help you.

“If you really feel unable to contact the police, there are charities and support groups who will help, advise and support you in doing so.”

Ms Nash said she had waited just over a year for Jenkin to face justice for his attack.

She said: “My life changed forever that night, but I am now able to move on, start my treatment and rebuild my life.”

Acknowleding the “overwhelming” public support she had received, she said: “I have a future and want to provide a future for my kids.”