November 27, 2018 12.41 pm This story is over 64 months old

Family say ‘system failed’ jailed Lincoln man

They say the attack could have been avoided
Jake Coyle pictured by Lincolnshire Police.

Friends and family of a Lincoln man jailed for attacking his former partner have claimed that he was “failed by system”.

Jake Coyle, 27, of Hamilton Road, Lincoln was jailed after he attacked his former partner and police officers on the Ermine West Estate.

Lincoln Crown Court heard how he put a slab through the window before breaking in and attacking her on September 23.

Whitney Swann, his former partner, suffered from swelling to both of her eyes, scratches to her cheek, a bite mark on her nose and a footprint on her forehead.

He was jailed for 30 months and given a five-year restraining order. Coyle apologised in court for his behaviour and said he tried to get help for his mental health problem.

He said: “If I wasn’t mentally ill, it wouldn’t have happened.”

Now his family and friends have spoken out about the case and claim that he was failed by the mental health system.

Chelsea Coyle, the defendant’s sister, told The Lincolnite that the incident could have been avoided and that he has been let down.

Tash Leanne Watson also said: “He has got his problems like we all do, but his mental health is a massive part of it.

“Believe it or not he is a great lad. I’m not saying what he’s done is okay and yes he should be punished for it but prison is the wrong place for him.

“He needs to be in a mental home to get the help he obviously needs so he can sort his head out.”