Sandown Man Jailed After "Violent" Bottle Attack Leaves Woman Scarred

EXCLUSIVE: An Isle of Wight man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison, after an assault which left a woman scarred for life.

21-year-old Yavana Dix says she no longer feels safe in her home, has trouble sleeping and constantly feels self-conscious after being bottled in December last year.

Sandown man Jamie Simpson, 30, has been sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Thursday).

The court heard how, on the evening of December 20, an argument broke out between Mr Simpson and Miss Dix outside of her home in Lake. Miss Dix proceeded to throw a glass of champagne over an alcohol-fuelled Mr Simpson. In retaliation, he hit her over the head with a glass bottle in his hand.

Jamie Simpson. Photo from Facebook.

It was said Miss Dix fell to the ground and was left with a 'y' shape laceration above her left eye. Mr Simpson was immediately apologetic, offering to help her up.

However, he ran away before police arrived at the scene. Miss Dix was taken to hospital where she required later 6 stitches. 

Police issued an appeal to locate Mr Simpson and and he was arrested more than a week after the incident - on December 28 - and interviewed the following day (29), on his birthday. 

At the time, Mr Simpson already had a community order after being found guilty of three counts of assault and one count of criminal damage.

Prosecuting, Mr Daniel Sawyer, said the incident has left a lasting effect on his client. He said:

"Now when she goes out she insists on knowing who will be there.

"She is very wary when alcohol is involved. She messages her mother every time to let her know she is safe."

The court heard how Miss Dix, who is a carer, now has trouble sleeping at night and is looking to move house because she "no longer feels safe".

She has also been left with a permanent scar, meaning she no longer has eyebrow treatments. Mr Sawyer added:

"The scar makes her feel self conscious and it acts as a constant reminder... it [the incident] will affect her for years to come and the rest of her life."

Defending, Miss Elisabeth Bussey-Jones said those that know Mr Simpson, know that he does not usually act that way.

She pointed to character references of him, which describe him as a "good father". A reference from HMP Isle of Wight said Mr Simpson was a "model resident and valuable member of our community".

Miss Bussey-Jones said her client has different behaviour when drinking alcohol and it is "something he has got to accept."

Judge Susan Evans said she was prepared to give Mr Simpson a 25 per cent reduction to his sentence, having previously pleaded guilty to GBH with no intent.

She said:

"I accept that you have two children and you have a separate partner. I have read lots in support of you... in the absence of alcohol you appear a perfectly amenable person. When you are in drink you are violent.

"You know that to be the case and you have failed over the years to prevent that. On occasions you combine alcohol with cocaine.

"I do not agree with your probation officer that you're a medium risk to the public... you do pose a significant risk."

Miss Bussey-Jones said that her client had no intention of contacting Miss Dix in the future. Judge Evans granted a restraining order against Mr Simpson.

He was sentenced to a total of four years, three months (51 months) in prison.

27 months will be served in custody, with a 24 month extended sentence.