Marbella, Spain — Jason McInerney, a 36-year-old man with family ties to Co Laois, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to a brutal assault on a woman in July 2023. This incident, which took place shortly after McInerney’s release from a 15-year incarceration for a separate crime in the UK, resulted in severe injuries to the victim and triggered a significant international law enforcement response.
Previously, McInerney had been convicted for his involvement in a shooting at a wedding in the UK, where the groom was injured. His criminal activities continued as he escaped custody during a court appearance by assaulting a detective. This escape led to a five-month spree of crimes before his eventual recapture.
The assault in Spain, described as a harrowing ordeal spanning several days, left the woman with friction burns, spinal injuries, and a stab wound to her leg. At one point, the victim attempted to seek help from a pharmacy, signaling distress to the staff there. The situation escalated further when McInerney stabbed her in the leg in his car and subsequently tried to prevent her from escaping by holding onto her as she jumped out of the vehicle at 110 kilometers per hour.
The victim managed to free herself and found refuge at a beach bar, where bystanders called the police. Authorities later discovered that McInerney had possession of her belongings and passport, complicating her return home. With assistance from the British Consulate in Malaga, she was eventually able to travel back to the UK.
Upon her return, the Hertfordshire police took her to a hospital, where her extensive injuries were treated. Evidence that supported the prosecution included CCTV footage from the pharmacy and beach bar, medical records, and the victim’s own testimony, which was crucial in both the Spanish court and during proceedings in the UK.
The Crown Prosecussion Service, acknowledging the gravity and challenges of the case, pointed out that UK laws allow for the prosecution of domestic violence cases even if the offenses occur abroad. This provision facilitated a swift collaboration with Spanish authorities, contributing to a solid case against McInerney.
Charles White, a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized the severity of the assault and its impact on the victim, noting her isolated and terrified state in a foreign country. Detective Inspector Samantha Alcock from the Hertfordshire Constabulary highlighted McInerney’s danger to the public based on her extensive career in policing. She expressed her hope that the stringent sentence would underscore the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement, regardless of geographical boundaries.
This case not only highlights the cross-border cooperation between UK and Spanish law enforcement but also serves as a stark reminder of the severity with which domestic violence is treated under the law, reinforcing the commitment to pursue justice for victims, regardless of where crimes are committed. As McInerney begins his nine-year sentence, this outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of international collaboration in criminal justice.