A Cornish MP has called on Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to use her powers to appeal against the Parole Board’s decision to move a dangerous offender to an open prison.

Andrew George MP has intervened on behalf of his constituent, Tina Nash from Penzance, who suffered a horrific and life-changing attack 14 years ago when her former partner held her hostage and attacked her violently and repeatedly, gouging out her eyes and breaking her jaw and nose.

Shane Jenkin was sentenced to life in prison in 2011, with a minimum term of just six years. Since learning about the perpetrator’s move to an open prison earlier this month, Tina has bravely spoken out about her experience and the extreme trauma she is now experiencing.

From an open prison, Jenkin can leave for short periods of time under licence to take part in paid or unpaid work or to see seriously ill relatives.

Mr George has written to justice ministers about the handling of her right to appeal these decisions and has now asked the Justice Secretary to appeal against the decision. “The primary purpose of prison must be public protection,” he said. “Any person capable of such appalling violence should remain behind bars until they are physically incapable of harming another person — even a fly.

“I stand with Tina and all those who have suffered domestic violence. This decision is deeply concerning, and I will continue pressing the government to ensure victims' voices and concerns remain at the centre of court and penal systems.”

A GoFundMe page has raised over £32,000 to help Tina cover the costs of securing her home and get legal advice to keep Jenkin behind bars. “Losing my sight at the hands of this monster was like being buried alive,” she said.

When he first applied for parole in 2022, Ms Nash found out from a journalist. In 2024, his case was heard by the parole board panel and he was transferred from his maximum security prison category A to a category B prison.

“As the victim and as part of the Victim Contact Scheme, I should have been told how to challenge this decision and been given an opportunity to contribute to the hearing to tell the decision makers how this monster has affected mine and my family’s lives forever - but I was not,” she said.

“I've been failed and let down repeatedly, in the worst ways, by the public services who are supposed to be supporting and protecting me. I cannot believe he is a changed man who poses little risk to the public ... I believe he is a psychopath.

“That night 13 years ago he subjected me to a premeditated, prolonged sadistic attack which resulted in life-changing injuries. I believe something has gone very wrong with the criminal justice system if it can release a person capable of such violence after such a short period of imprisonment.”