Man who used suitcase to beat girlfriend is jailed

A man who flew into a violent rage and used a suitcase to beat his girlfriend has been jailed.

Jamie Pretlove, 32, was confronted by the victim after she discovered “flirty” messages from him to another woman on his phone.

An argument broke out, and during the row at their home in Cottenham on 29 October, 2022, the victim slapped Pretlove around the face.

In a furious retaliation, Pretlove punched the victim several times in the head and used his body weight to pin her down on a bed while he strangled her.

Pretlove got off the victim, who had been struggling to breathe, and started to pack a suitcase.

However, the argument reignited, and he threw the victim to the floor and attacked her again, punching her several times.

He grabbed the suitcase and used it as a weapon to hit her in the face and body.

The victim noticed she was bleeding and managed to flee to the bathroom, and shortly afterwards dialled 999 and stayed on the phone until officers arrived.

Pretlove was arrested at the scene and the victim, who was visibly shaken, received medical treatment for cuts, bruises and scratches to her neck.

In police interview, Pretlove admitted grabbing the victim around the throat, but claimed he hadn’t restricted her breathing.

However, Pretlove, of Redhall Close, Hatfield, was found guilty of intentional strangulation and actual bodily harm (ABH) at a hearing held earlier this month.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday (20 June).

DC Matthew Lander, who investigated, said: “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. If you are a victim or know someone who is, or has been, affected by domestic abuse, please get in touch.”

Victims of domestic abuse are urged to contact police or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

To report concerns, or for more advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, visit the force’s dedicated web page.