VITOLDAS PLATAKIS SENTENCED FOR MANSLAUGHTER IN NOTTINGHAM HOME TRAGEDY

Vitoldas Platakis, a 51-year-old resident of Nottingham, has been handed a prison sentence of nine years and four months after admitting to manslaughter in connection with the death of his partner, Valdamara Zemaitiene. The tragic incident took place within their shared residence in Nottinghamshire, where the court heard that Platakis initially denied any involvement in her death but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter earlier this month.

According to court proceedings, the fatal event occurred in July of the previous year. It was reported that Platakis struck Zemaitiene with such force that her spleen was ruptured, resulting in severe internal bleeding which ultimately led to her death. Neighbors living nearby had frequently heard loud shouting and banging emanating from the couple’s home, suggesting a history of domestic disturbance. The judge, Gregory Dickinson, explicitly stated during the sentencing: "On the night of 21 and 22 July last year you killed Valdamara Zemaitiene. You struck her with such force you ruptured her spleen."

Further details revealed during the trial painted a disturbing picture of ongoing violence. Platakis was known to have a heavy drinking problem and had previously assaulted Zemaitiene on multiple occasions. One such incident involved him striking her with a meat tenderizer, highlighting a pattern of physical abuse. After the fatal assault, Platakis left their Nottingham residence in the morning to seek help, prompting the police to be called once paramedics arrived at the scene. The post-mortem examination confirmed that her spleen was lacerated, consistent with a blunt impact injury.

Evidence presented in court also pointed to a history of physical abuse, with injuries of various ages found on Zemaitiene’s torso, arms, and legs. A photograph taken by her the day before her death showed her with black eyes, which matched the injuries inflicted by Platakis. The court emphasized the profound impact her death had on her family and described the incident as a severe violation of her safety and the sanctity of her home. The case underscores the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues before they escalate to fatal outcomes.