Marbella, Spain – A man from Chessington, Hertfordshire, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a prolonged violent attack on his former partner that occurred in Marbella, Spain in July 2023. Jason McInerney, 36, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm in a Spanish court, where he faced charges for assaulting his ex over a period of several days.
During the assault, McInerney stabbed his ex-partner in the leg inside a car after she tried to seek help from staff at a pharmacy in Marbella. Despite being injured, the woman managed to escape from the vehicle while it was moving at 70mph, with McInerney holding onto her arm as she was dragged down the road. She eventually sought help from a member of the public who took her to a beach bar, where the police were contacted.
Upon returning to the UK with the assistance of the British Consulate in Malaga, the victim was taken to a hospital by Hertfordshire police. Doctors discovered she had suffered friction burns, a laceration to her leg, and fractures to her spine as a result of the attack. McInerney, who initially remained in Spain, later returned to the UK, where the Crown Prosecution Service collaborated with Spanish authorities to gather evidence against him.
Charles White of the CPS emphasized the importance of prosecuting cases of domestic violence even if they occur outside the UK, highlighting the successful efforts to secure evidence in McInerney’s case. The detective inspector from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Support Unit characterized McInerney as one of “the most dangerous offenders” she has encountered in her policing career.
McInerney’s lengthy sentence is intended to send a strong message that the law will catch up with individuals who commit such violent acts, regardless of attempts to evade justice. Hertfordshire Constabulary, committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic violence, expressed satisfaction that McInerney will face consequences for his actions in prison. The successful prosecution and sentencing of McInerney represent a significant milestone in seeking justice for victims of domestic violence.