Judges and jurors at Nottingham Crown Court were left shaken by the chilling audio and video evidence revealing the horrific attack on a young woman. During the trial, the court witnessed the victim’s desperate pleas for mercy as she was assaulted in the street. Her cries for help were so intense that a couple from a nearby home rushed to her assistance.

The Attack Unfolding

The 21-year-old attacker, Paul Jinks, who has origins in Ireland, systematically targeted the victim. He had previously been seenFollowing other lone females in the area on the same night, indicating a pattern of behavior. Jinks violently grabbed the woman and dragged her to a secluded spot in Long Eaton.

His assault was brutal and relentless. Holding her down, he punched her face and body repeatedly, telling her to stop screaming. The victim later estimated she was struck eleven times. She attempted to protect herself as Jinks attempted to forcibly touch her and pulled her underwear aside.

The Neighbor’s Intervention

The victim’s screams could be heard from a nearby property, where a husband and wife heard her desperately crying for help. They exited their house with a torch and a pole, calling for emergency services. The couple, witnessed the attacker trying to drag the victim into bush and shouted for him to stop.

Jinks fled the scene, leaving behind a sample of his blood that would later be matched to the blood found on the victim’s dress. The attacker was eventually apprehended days later at a Traveller’s site in Cambridgeshire, where clothing seized from him bore the bloodstains.

Judge’s Statement and Sentence

Judge Steven Coupland delivered a powerful statement, emphasizing the severity of the crime. He declared, “This was hers, and every woman’s, nightmare.” Coupland further highlighted the planning and execution, noting that coupled with the audio evidence, it was clear that Jinks remembered every detail of his actions.

Jinks received a total sentence of 14 years and nine months, including eight years and nine months of immediate custody and an extended license of six years. He was also placed on the sex offender register for life, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until two-thirds of his prison term have passed.

Helper’s Recognition

The brave couple who intervened was awarded £500 each from the High Sheriff’s Fund. Their quick response provided the victim with the opportunity to escape her attacker, significantly reducing the severity of her injuries and circumstances.

The prosecutor, Mark Achurch, presented a powerful defense of the victim and highlighted the seriousness of the offense. He also called attention to Jinks’ history of targeting women, revealing that on the same night, he had been seen following two other lone females.

The Victim’s Suffering

In his sentencing, Judge Coupland informed Jinks that his actions would follow him, emphasizing the life sentence the victim suffered due to the trauma inflicted. He said, “The victim will have her own life sentence when she continues to remember what you did to her.”

Legal Represent’s Plea

Stephen Kemp, Jinks’ defense lawyer, pleaded mitigating circumstances, stating that his client had no recollection of the events due to drug and alcohol use. Kemp expressed hope that Jinks could change his life constructively and recognized the victim’s need for justice.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women in public spaces and the importance of community vigilance. It also underscores the need for tougher sentences for those who seek to commit acts of sexual violence.

Here’s to you, survivor, and the couple who risked their safety to help you find justice. Your bravery will not be forgotten.

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