Wisbech man jailed for 'savage' attack on ex-partner's friend
Police described the attack as "nasty and savage".
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
A man from Wisbech who headbutted his ex-partner's friend leaving her unconscious on the ground has been given nine months in prison.
Jon Paddock, who's 40 and from Princes Road in Wisbech, attacked the woman outside The Angel pub on the 29th April 2018.
He turned violent after his relationship broke down and his ex-girlfriend came to return some house keys with her friend.
What happened?
Paddock and the woman had dated for more than two years but the relationship turned sour.
The woman had asked to stay over at Paddock's house on 28th April to make it easier to complete an errand in Wisbech, but the pair fell out after an argument over the phone and the woman cancelled the visit.
She then received abusive texts from Paddock, including photos of him burning pictures of them together in a saucepan.
The woman decided to hand her set of keys back to Paddock following this, and knowing where he would be that night, she visited him at a venue in Wisbech together with her friend.
After returning the keys the woman and her friend then went to The Angel pub and stayed there until closing time.
As the pub was shutting up, Paddock's ex-girlfriend rushed out to a nearby car park, her friend followed and was then attacked by Paddock.
He headbutted her with such force that she was knocked to the ground unconscious.
She was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital where tests revealed she had suffered bruising to her head and arms, a split lip and a broken tooth.
Arrest
Paddock was arrested at his home the following morning on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm without intent.
He had a cut to his forehead and was wearing a grey hoody with blood on the sleeves, which was later shown to belong to the victim.
In police interview, Paddock answered "no comment" to all questions asked of him by officers.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was found guilty at trial.
DC Mark Bates, who investigated, said: "This was a nasty and savage attack which must have been horrific for the victim who was simply trying to help her friend.
"Paddock's behaviour was unacceptable and no-one deserves to be assaulted in this way.
"I hope this case highlights that we will do all we can to bring those who assault others so viciously to justice."
Anyone concerned about a partner's history can apply for disclosure information through Clare's Law, which allows people to ask police about the information held on a person relating to domestic abuse offences and convictions.
The domestic violence disclosure scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend who had a history of violence against women.