Man Jailed For 12 Years For Domestic Abuse
1 November 2013, 11:27 | Updated: 1 November 2013, 11:32
A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment for the grievous bodily harm with intent against his partner.
Ian Ratledge of Hopton Grove, Newport Pagnell, was yesterday (31/10) given a twelve years sentence after he attacked his 30-year-old partner, leaving her with serious life threatening injuries.
Ratledge will serve a minimum of nine years.
He was also given an indefinite restraining order against his victim, as well as her mother and partner.
On 28 August this year, Ratledge was found guilty of one count of grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial by jury at Oxford Crown Court, lasting seven days.
The court heard Ratledge carried out a sustained brutal attack on his victim at their home on 24 February 2012. Following the attack, he left her unconscious body on the sofa for a considerable period of time, before telling a lodger in the property about what he had done. Upon seeing the severity of her condition, the lodger left the premises and contacted the Police.
Her injuries included extensive bruising all over her body, bite marks, and a bleed on the brain. There were marks around her neck indicating a ligature had been used. She suffered serious injuries to her heart, kidney, head and brain. Medical evidence confirmed that without medical treatment she would have died from her injuries.
The victim continues to require medical treatment.
Investigating officer Det Con Marcus Miller said: “Ratledge is a very dangerous individual and I am delighted with the sentence passed down on him today. The sentence ensures that Ratledge will be locked up for a very long time. During this terrifying ordeal Ratledge inflicted numerous injuries on his victim. He disregarded her need for medical attention and openly admitted to his lodger that the assault had been carried out by him. This was a grotesque attack which could have easily resulted in death for his victim. The victim in this case was extremely vulnerable and instead of helping her, Ratledge systematically abused her in multiple ways over a period of months. When the pathologist addressed the court he was of the opinion that this victim had suffered more injuries than even some murder victims. The abuse she suffered is unimaginable and I hope the sentence reflects this.”
Det Con Miller added: “Victims of domestic abuse are often reluctant to involve the police and support a prosecution, and I would like to praise the victim and her family for their courage in supporting this investigation and ensuring that justice is done. Thames Valley Police is committed to tackling domestic abuse and we will be relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims.”
A dedicated website speakouttoday.co.uk and video provides practical information for victims and those supporting them, and includes vital links to national and local support services.
The website was launched by Thames Valley Police in May 2012 in partnership with Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators and Crimestoppers.