JAMIE PRETLOVE FROM COTTENHAM SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT IN CAMBRIDGE

On the 20th of June, Cambridge Crown Court handed down an 18-month prison sentence to Jamie Pretlove, a 32-year-old resident of Redhall Close, Hatfield, following his conviction for a severe domestic assault that took place in Cottenham. The incident, which occurred on the 29th of October, 2022, involved a series of violent acts against his partner within their shared home, leaving the victim with physical injuries and emotional trauma.

According to court records, the confrontation was sparked by the discovery of flirtatious messages on Pretlove’s mobile phone. This revelation led to a heated argument between the couple. The victim initially responded by slapping Pretlove, an act that provoked an aggressive retaliation. Pretlove responded by punching her multiple times and pinning her down on a bed, during which he applied pressure to her throat, an act that was later classified as intentional strangulation.

The violence escalated further when Pretlove, after a brief pause during which he began packing a suitcase, resumed the assault. He threw the victim to the floor, continued to punch her repeatedly, and then struck her face and body with the suitcase. The assault left the victim bleeding, with visible cuts, bruises, and scratches on her neck. She struggled to breathe during the attack and managed to escape to the bathroom, where she called emergency services. She remained on the line with the 999 operator until police arrived at the scene.

In police interviews, Pretlove admitted to grabbing the victim’s throat but denied that he restricted her breathing. Despite his denial, a jury found him guilty of both intentional strangulation and actual bodily harm (ABH) earlier this month. The case highlights the severity of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Detective Constable Matthew Lander commented on the case, stating, “Pretlove inflicted a disturbing level of violence on his victim, and I am relieved he has been put behind bars. Our officers are determined to hold every perpetrator of domestic abuse to account.” The sentencing reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat domestic violence in the region.