Brutal Two-Hour Ordeal Ends with Significant Prison Sentences
A violent offender who subjected his partner to a sustained and horrific assault, including pouring boiling water over her as she tried to protect herself, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence. Daniel Nash, 34, carried out the vicious two-hour attack in Alfreton, during which he also tried to sever his victim's fingers.
A Prolonged and Sustained Assault
The court heard that the incident began with an argument at a friend's home on February 13. When the woman sought refuge by locking herself in a bathroom, Nash kicked the door down. He then launched a brutal assault, repeatedly punching her in the face.
Nash then instructed his friend, Thomas Osborne, 32, of West End, Alfreton, to grab a knife and boil a kettle. Nash held the blade to his partner's throat before the attack escalated further. He stabbed her in the leg with a kitchen knife and then carried out his threat with the kettle, pouring boiling water over her while she desperately used a coat as a shield.
The violence continued as Nash hit her multiple times with bolt croppers, fracturing her ankle, and struck her with a dog lead. In a particularly cruel act, he tried to sever her fingers with the knife. When the victim picked up an axe to defend herself, Nash took it and attempted to use it to chop off her fingers.
Community Intervention and Aftermath
The terrified woman eventually managed to flee the property and hide behind a bin. A neighbour intervened and took her to hospital for treatment. When Nash's own mother arrived at the scene after being alerted by the neighbour, he turned on her, punching her twice and throwing a brick which caused her to fall over a wall.
At Derby Crown Court, Nash, of no fixed address, admitted to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Osborne was convicted by a jury in August of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a trial.
On October 7, the two men were sentenced. Nash was jailed for nine years, with a five-year extension, while Osborne was imprisoned for five years.
Police Praise Bravery of Victims
Detective Constable Sarah Drabble, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Constabulary, stated: "This was a prolonged and sustained attack carried out by these two men. While Nash was the one who carried out the majority of the assault, Osborne handed him everything he asked for, facilitating this appalling incident, and failed to help the victims."
She praised the courage of the victims, whose testimony was integral to securing the convictions. DC Drabble added: "I hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that domestic abuse will not be tolerated in our communities... I’d encourage anyone who is experiencing any form of abuse to speak to officers, or to a trusted person you can share your concerns with."
