Tina Nash, the woman who was permanently blinded by her former partner, is “terrified” by the thought he could soon be freed, a friend has warned.
Anaya-Nicole Parke-Peterson, who has become close friends with Ms Nash in recent years, told GB News that Labour may soon have “a lot to answer for” as a petition fighting to keep her attacker behind bars reaches almost 30,000 signatures.
She now fears for her friend’s safety after learning that Shane Jenkin, who gouged out Ms Nash’s eyes during a brutal assault in 2012, could soon walk Britain’s streets.
“He’s not scared of the police,” she exclusively told The People’s Channel.
“This man should never be allowed out. Tina’s blind, she can’t see what’s around her, and she’s terrified. She feels like she’s been buried alive.”
Ms Nash was attacked in her home; her attacker was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of six years.
Ms Parke-Peterson said the man has a history of violent behaviour – while campaigners fear he is set to be moved into an open prison.
If this is the case, Jenkin could be allowed to leave for short periods of time under licence to take part in paid or unpaid work, or to see a family member who is seriously ill.
Amid Britain’s overcrowding prisons crisis, Labour is said to be mulling over an increased use of open prisons.
This would see serious offenders potentially out on the streets as they make use of the special discretions on offer in certain circumstances.
Open jails, of which there are 14 in England and Wales, are designed for criminals deemed low risk or who are coming to the end of very long sentences.
Tina Nash feels as if ‘she has been buried alive’, her friend said
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Ms Nash’s friend told GB News about the need for increased protections.
“She’s had to set up a GoFundMe to make her home safe,” Ms Parke-Peterson said. “The saddest thing is there isn’t even a restraining order in place.”
The petition is calling for tougher protection for victims, including a domestic violence register so partners can be warned about past abuse, stronger monitoring and longer sentences for repeat offenders.
She said: “I know men go through their hardship as well, but with women it’s at a higher rate, and I just feel like no one takes them seriously. This Government has a lot to answer for.
“You’ve got people in prison for a tweet, meanwhile, someone like Shane Jenkin who left a woman brain damaged, attacked previous partners, stabbed his dog is being released after just a few years. It’s so wrong.”
“Petty offenders fill prisons and the system keeps failing victims of domestic violence again and again.”
The petition calls for Jenkin to remain in prison and for broader reforms to protect victims of domestic violence, including tougher sentencing for repeat offenders, automatic arrest when evidence is clear, electronic tagging, lifelong restraining orders, and a domestic violence register to warn partners of past abuse.
“It’s never the first time,” Ms Parke-Peterson added.
“Whenever you see a woman who’s been badly injured or murdered, it often turns out she asked for help before.
BRITAIN’S PRISON CRISIS – READ MORE:
Shane Jenkin gauged Tina Nash’s eyes out in a brutal attack
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“The Government must act, otherwise more people will be failed.”
Campaigners are also exploring a documentary to highlight how victims are repeatedly let down by social services, the police, and the courts.
“Tina’s story is not unique,” said Ms Parke-Peterson.
“There are countless women living in fear because the system lets their abusers walk free. We need real change not empty promises.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesman told GB News: “This was a horrific crime, and our thoughts remain with Ms Nash.
“Shane Jenkin will only be released if the Parole Board – which is independent of Government – decides it is safe after a thorough risk assessment.
“Even if released, he will be monitored by the Probation Service and can be brought back to jail to keep the public safe.”
You can sign the petition here