The assault occurred in Marbella, Spain, but was prosecuted in the UK with the CPS International team liaising with the Spanish authorities to obtain crucial evidence.

Jason McInerney, 36, from Chessington, and his ex-partner from Hertfordshire were in Spain in July 2023 when he assaulted her over the course of several days.

Terrified by McInerney’s violent behaviour, the woman tried at one point to alert staff in a pharmacy. The couple then got in McInerney’s car before he stabbed her in the leg. The victim, seriously injured and in fear for her life, threw herself out of the car at 70mph and was dragged down the road with McInerney holding her arm. She eventually managed to escape and alert a member of the public who took her to a beach bar where the police were called. McInerney still had her belongings and passport.

The woman returned to the UK on 10 July with support from the British Consulate in Malaga. She was met by Hertfordshire police who took her to hospital where she was found to have friction burns, a laceration to the leg and fractures to the spine.

McInerney remained in Spain but eventually returned to the UK, although the file of evidence remained with the Spanish prosecuting authorities. The CPS’s international team had to work to secure the file and the Spanish authorities’ agreement to use the evidence for the prosecution in the UK.

The prosecution relied on CCTV, including from the pharmacy and the beach club where the victim took refuge, medical evidence and the victim’s accounts to both the Spanish court and the police in the UK.

McInerney pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm in Spain before yesterday’s sentencing at St Albans Crown Court.

Jason McInerney pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

He received an extended sentence of 9 years (custodial) plus 4 years extended licence.

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