Nottingham Woman Left Traumatised After Unprovoked Street Attack by Stranger
A young woman has been left profoundly traumatised following a completely unprovoked and violent assault by a stranger on a Midlands street. The shocking incident, which occurred on Milton Street in Nottingham, has resulted in the perpetrator being sentenced to prison.
Details of the Violent Assault
The victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking with her partner and a friend during the evening of February 6 when she was suddenly attacked from behind. Tristan Fretwell, 29, approached the woman and punched her hard in the mouth, causing her to fall backwards to the ground. CCTV footage captured the entire assault, which police have described as a truly appalling incident.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police who were on patrol at the time witnessed the late-night attack and immediately chased down Fretwell, arresting him at the scene. Police noted that Fretwell was very intoxicated at the time of his arrest.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
When interviewed the following day, Fretwell claimed he could not remember the assault. However, after being shown the CCTV footage, he expressed feeling disgusted with himself and asked officers to pass on an apology to his victim.
Fretwell, of Raleigh Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. On Monday, February 9, he was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and ordered to pay his victim £250 in compensation.
The court heard that no motive for the attack has been established, leaving the victim and authorities puzzled as to why she was targeted.
Police Response and Impact on Victim
Sergeant Juliana Gourlay of Nottinghamshire Police stated: "Whilst I am pleased Fretwell has accepted responsibility for his actions, his apology holds little meaning for his victim who understandably has been left traumatised by this assault."
The sergeant revealed that the woman had been in Nottingham to see her favourite band, and what should have been a fun and enjoyable evening was completely ruined by Fretwell's actions. She expressed hope that Fretwell would use his time in prison to reflect on his behaviour and consider the negative impact of alcohol.
Sergeant Gourlay also commended the patrolling officers for their immediate response, emphasising that Nottinghamshire Police will continue regular patrols to provide a reassuring presence and respond quickly to incidents.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns about public safety and random violence in urban areas, with authorities urging vigilance while reassuring the public of their commitment to community protection.
