Man jailed for "horrific" attack on ex-partner in Derby
WARNING: This article contains some distressing details.
Last updated 6th Jun 2021
WARNING: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.
A man has been jailed for 9 years, following an assault that left his victim fearing she was dying.
Officers answered a 999 call from a housemate who had forced his way into the room of their shared house on Leacroft Road in Derby after hearing screams around 10am on Thursday 15 October.
He burst in to find Graf Rinkevic on top of a woman, with his hands around her throat. She was lying on the floor and soaked in blood.
The 26-year-old had stabbed her in the neck using a kitchen knife and with such force that the knife buckled, narrowly missing vital arteries and veins.
He was arrested at the scene.
Apparently, the reason he gave for this horrific attack was he had found her on the phone to another man.
The victim was taken to hospital in Derby where the full extent of her physical injuries included around a 4cm stab wound to her neck, abrasions and bruising to her arms, ankles and feet, bite marks to her breast and elbow and a fractured spine.
Rinkevic pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday 12 May to nine years imprisonment.
Their housemate was commended by the judge and awarded ÂŁ500 for his bravery.
In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: "The reason we’re telling you about this horrendous assault, which was traumatic for all involved, is that we want others to speak out about their concerns and help us to prevent this from happening to someone else.
"If you are a victim of abuse or if you have concerns about someone you can report it online here, www.derbyshire.police.uk/reportdomesticabuse or by calling 101. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
"On social media, you can also contact us through Facebook, send us a private message to www.facebook.com/DerbyshireConstabulary or direct message our contact centre on Twitter, @DerPolContact.
"Remember, in an emergency which is ongoing, or where life is in danger, call 999 immediately.
"If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
"The Silent Solution can help you if speaking could put you or someone else in danger. For more on this service, click here: How to make a silent 999 call | Derbyshire Constabulary
"There are also partner support services local to Derbyshire who can help you. You can find their details on our website here: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-helplines/ "