DUANE BALLIN SENTENCED IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FOR BRUTAL ATTACK THAT LED TO TARA NEWBOLD'S DEATH

Duane Ballin, a 35-year-old man from Nottinghamshire, has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a violent assault that ultimately contributed to the death of Tara Newbold. The incident took place at their shared residence in Alford Court, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, around midnight.

According to court records, Ballin launched a savage attack on Miss Newbold, striking her repeatedly with a rolling pin. The assault was so severe that her mother later struggled to recognize her body, which was found with numerous injuries. The police initially treated the case as a murder investigation due to the brutality of the attack and the circumstances surrounding her death.

However, subsequent post-mortem examinations revealed that her death was most likely caused by an overdose of recreational cocaine. Toxicology reports indicated a cocaine level of 225 ng/ml in her system, suggesting that drug use played a significant role. Despite the injuries sustained during the attack, which included 37 recent trauma sites such as bruises, cuts, and fractured ribs, the pathologist concluded that these injuries were not the direct cause of her demise. Nonetheless, other medical experts involved in reviewing the case argued that the injuries could have contributed to her death.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Ballin had a troubling history of domestic violence, including previous assaults on Miss Newbold. Witnesses described him as a controlling and bullying presence in her life, often dominating her behavior. On the night of her death, Ballin assaulted Tara in their home, with their three children, including a three-year-old, hearing her screams from nearby.

During police interviews, Ballin admitted to using a rolling pin to beat Tara. Further investigations revealed that shortly after the incident, he researched topics related to the dying process on the internet, raising questions about his awareness and intent.

He was formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison. The presiding judge described him as 'evil' and emphasized his history of controlling behavior.

The family of Tara Newbold strongly believes that Ballin should have faced murder charges, given the evidence of prior violence and the violent circumstances leading to her death. They feel justice was not fully served, considering the brutality of the attack and her tragic passing.