Southampton man jailed for violently attacking girlfriend and leaving her with life-threatening injuries

A Southampton martial arts practitioner has been jailed for attacking his girlfriend so violently that she was left with life-threatening injuries.

Nigel Paddington, 40, was jailed for nine years with an extended licence period of three years at Southampton Crown Court on 20 June 2022.

At an earlier hearing he admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent after he attacked his girlfriend which resulted in her losing consciousness and suffering multiple serious injuries.

He claimed to paramedics that they had been play-fighting when she slipped and hit her head on a chair, but the reality was that he was responsible for a frightening and sustained attack, having flown into an irrational rage.

Elizabeth Medland, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “The CPS built a strong case against Nigel Paddington, including evidence from previous girlfriends who had also experienced violence whilst in relationships with him.

“Paddington demonstrated a pattern of behaviour where he would start off being charming, but once a relationship was established, he would become increasingly abusive and violent, often triggered by extreme jealousy over his partners looking at or having contact with other men.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her bravery and courage in coming forward to support the prosecution of Nigel Paddington, so that we could ensure justice was delivered for the dreadful attack she survived.”