Oxfordshire ex-paratrooper jailed for punching and kicking ex

John Nicholls, of Love Lane, Watlington, was jailed at Oxford Crown Court at a hearing on Wednesday, May 6.

The 56-year-old was found guilty at a trial earlier this year of three counts of assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard Nicholls pushed the woman at their home in 2021, kicked her on holiday in Crete and punched her in the face on holiday in Dubai in 2023.

The victim read out her impact statement in court.

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Oxford Crown Court (Image: NQ)

She said: “All I ever wanted was a partner to be my equal. I recognise the emotional and psychological abuse.

“He had a specific dislike for my father. I spotted a pattern when he was drinking alcohol. This would trigger the abuse against me and my family.

“I was living in constant fear. He never accepted responsibility for his actions. The punch to my eye in Dubai was the final straw.

“My parents and sister have been a constant source of support.”

The victim’s father also read out a statement.

He said: “Nicholls caused a shadow of doubt. Our fears grew over time.

“Over seven years, his presence was a source of discomfort and mental anguish.

“I believe Nicholls is a violent person and will seek revenge. I do not fear him.

“I believe he is a coward.”

In mitigation, the court heard that Nicholls has no previous convictions.

It was also heard he had a career in the Army as a paratrooper. Also that he played professional rugby and was involved with the fire service.

The court heard he was ‘appalled by his behaviour’.

Judge Michael Roques went through the chronology of the offences.

The court heard Nicholls met the victim in 2016 and that they moved in together in 2017. However, the relationship started to deteriorate after the birth of their son.

Judge Roques said: “You have a significant inferiority complex. You had to undermine her to make yourself feel better.”

The first incident took place in December 2021 when Nicholls pushed the woman and kicked out at her. The court heard she suffered pain as a result and was physically sick.

Then in Crete, Nicholls grabbed her arm and pushed her against a wall. He also kicked her.

In Dubai, Nicholls punched her square in the face.

Judge Roques said: “You cannot stand successful women and you felt inadequate.”

Nicholls was jailed for a total of 30 months and given a seven-year restraining order to not contact the victim.