A much-loved woman died at the hands of her own partner in "a harrowing case". Valdamara Zemaitiene had been having an affair but was still with partner, Vitoldas Platakis, who lived with her in a flat in Victoria Street, Newark.
Platakis struck her with so much force her spleen ruptured and she bled to death internally, Nottingham Crown Court heard on Thursday, May 26, as he was jailed for nine years and four months for her manslaughter. No one knows for sure the full extent and details of that fatal assault inside their own home on the night of July 21 to July 22 last year behind closed doors.
Miss Zemaitiene, who worked at a Newark car wash and supported him financially, was last seen on CCTV visiting her local shop to buy booze and cigarettes. Neighbours then heard an argument in the couple's home, shouting, banging, before the 51-year-old caused her death.
READ MORE: Newark manslaughter updates as violent partner sentenced over killing
She had many bruises on her body. The night before she took a selfie of her two black eyes. Pathology showed a mark on her body showed, at some point, she was hit with a meat tenderiser - which did not cause her death
Platakis had one previous conviction from 2006 for drink driving, which Judge Gregory Dickinson QC said the only relevance of that showed how far back the defendant's excessive consumption of alcohol went.
The couple were both heavy drinkers. Their relationship was good at times but it was volatile. There were frequent arguments, neighbours would hear shouting, including from Platakis repetative, incessant shouting towards Miss Zemaitiene, who was 43 when she died and described by her devastated niece as "much loved".
Detective Constable Neil Beddoe, who led the investigation, said: “This is a harrowing case and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact domestic violence can have. Not for the first time, Platakis subjected Valdemara to a brutal and sustained attack and she tragically lost her life as a result.
“While nothing can bring her back, I hope this conviction provides some sense of justice for Valdemara’s family and friends and our thoughts remain with them at this time".
Detective Inspector Melanie Crutchley said: “ I want to reassure anyone who is suffering domestic abuse that Nottinghamshire Police is here to help and support you – you are not alone. “We consistently work with partners to tackle this issue are dedicated to holding perpetrators to account by bringing these cases to court.
"If you are in danger, please call 999 and we will come to your aid."
Where to get help
A number of confidential support services remain available to those experiencing domestic abuse.
They include the Silent Solution police system, which people can use to report an emergency when it's not safe for them to speak.
Support is also available on the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – 0808 2000 247 and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Juno Women's Aid: 0808 800 0340 (free, 24/7) helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk
*MEN* Equation’s Men's Service:
(0115) 960 5556 (Mon-Fri, 9.30-16.30). A confidential answerphone runs 24/7
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