RUSSELL MASON'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN COVENTRY AND BIRMINGHAM HOTEL SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Sarah Wheatley, a woman aged 37, has bravely come forward to recount her harrowing experience of being physically assaulted by her former partner, Russell Mason. The assault took place on September 8 at a hotel in Birmingham, where Wheatley was staying with her two young daughters. The incident unfolded during a moment of intense jealousy and intoxication, as Mason, described as 'pretty much comatosed,' lost control and launched a violent attack on Wheatley. According to her account, Mason dragged her from the bathroom into the bedroom and continued to beat her mercilessly. The assault left Wheatley with severe injuries, including a broken nose, black eyes, and extensive bruising across her face. Photographs posted by her sister depict her in hospital, visibly battered and in pain. Wheatley has expressed that the violence was so extreme that she feared for her life, and medical professionals at the hospital suspected she might have suffered a brain bleed as a result of the attack.

Despite Mason being convicted of criminal damage and assault causing actual bodily harm at Birmingham Crown Court, he was sentenced to only 20 months in jail. This relatively lenient punishment has sparked outrage among Wheatley and her family, who believe that justice has not been fully served and are planning to appeal the decision. Mason, a 35-year-old boxing trainer from Coventry, was known locally for being well-liked, but his arrest following the assault has cast a shadow over his reputation. Authorities described the incident as a serious act of domestic violence, emphasizing the gravity of Mason’s actions.

Wheatley voiced her disappointment with the court’s sentencing, criticizing the justice system for not imposing harsher penalties on domestic violence offenders. She pointed out that Mason’s prior convictions may have influenced the court’s decision, but she remains convinced that the punishment was insufficient. Her case has become a rallying point to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the importance of protective measures such as Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to access information about a partner’s violent history. Wheatley hopes her story will encourage other victims to seek support and understand their rights to safeguard themselves from future harm. The incident underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and stronger legal responses to domestic violence, especially in communities like Coventry and Birmingham where such cases continue to surface.