Man sentenced to eight years for severe assault on partner

Nathan Giltinane, 34, of Walnut Tree Avenue, Cambridge, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a “savage attack” on his then-partner. The assault resulted in her sustaining a broken arm and fractured teeth. The severity of the beating led her to contact NHS 111, reporting dizziness. During the call, the handler overheard Giltinane attempting to pressure her into claiming she had fallen, prompting the handler to notify police of the situation. While denying accusations of coercive behaviour and criminal damage, Mr. Giltinane pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. His sentencing took place at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday. The two other charges will not be pursued further but will be kept on file. Beyond the prison sentence, a 10-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from making contact with the victim. According to Cambridgeshire Police, the woman had been subjected to punches and kicks to the head prior to her call for assistance on 13 November last year. She informed the NHS that she had a black eye and a “bust lip.” Following the alert, officers arrived at the residence that evening. They discovered Giltinane and the woman, who presented with chipped front teeth and significant difficulty moving her arm. Giltinane was apprehended, and the woman was transported to a hospital. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed she had a broken arm, missing hair, and a lump on her head that required a CT scan. En route to the hospital, she informed officers that Giltinane was her assailant. She recounted that he had kicked her in the head, causing her teeth to chip, and that she had subsequently lost consciousness. During his police interview, Giltinane asserted that he had “backhanded” his partner, leading her to fall onto her arm. He maintained that this action was in retaliation after she had struck him initially. Last week, during the sentencing, Recorder James Willan KC informed Giltinane that there was no justification for the assault on his partner. The Recorder noted that Giltinane broke her arm as she attempted to defend herself while he punched and kicked her on the floor. The Recorder further stated that in addition to her broken arm, the woman suffered bruising to her forehead, eye socket, shoulders, and the back of her hand, along with fractured teeth. He indicated that she had been struck at a minimum of eight distinct points. Recorder Willan also mentioned Giltinane’s prior imprisonment for domestic violence offenses. He concluded that Giltinane presented a “significant risk of harm to future female intimate partners” due to his “willingness to use significant violence.” Detective Constable Frankie Enticknap commented: “Giltinane savagely attacked his partner, and then encouraged her to lie about how she had been injured.” Det Con Enticknap expressed gratitude, stating: “I would like to thank the NHS 111 call taker who realised something wasn’t quite right – it’s precisely suspicions like these that can make all the difference.” She added: “Giltinane’s behaviour left his partner incredibly frightened, and no-one should ever be made to feel that way. Domestic abuse is never acceptable and there is no excuse.”