A woman who was violently assaulted in a Clacton nightclub has said she wants to rebuild her life after her attacker was jailed this week.

East Anglian Daily Times: John Kamela was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to causing grevious bodily harm. Picture: ESSEX POLICEJohn Kamela was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to causing grevious bodily harm. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: ESSEX POLICE)

Lacey Knight, 22, was enjoying a night out with friends at the Elements club on Station Road when she was approached by a man who struck up a conversation with her.

When Ms Knight rejected his advances, her attacker proceeded to punch her in the face repeatedly – causing her to fall backwards and hit her head on the bar.

She suffered swelling to her forehead, a black eye and multiple fractures to the cheek bones and jaw, which required wiring.

The assault, which took place at around 12.25am on December 9 last year, was so concentrated and sustained that security staff were unable to overpower the attacker.

John Kalema, 26, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, May 17, after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm on Tuesday, March 10. He was jailed for three years.

Kalema was identified after his image was circulated on Essex Police’s social media channels and a member of the public came forward with information. He was arrested on March 3.

Ms Knight said: “It has been a long, hard few months but justice has been served and I’m able to move on from the negativity caused by this attack.

“I now want to rebuild my life. Even if they are little steps at a time, they will still be steps forward.

“I would like to thank my family and friends who have helped me along the way, especially my mum, who has been my rock.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Richard English, of Clacton CID, said: “Kalema went into a frenzy and attacked a woman for simply rejecting his advances.

“This was a violent and unprovoked assault on an innocent woman who was simply enjoying a night out with friends.

“I would like to praise Lacey Knight for her assistance, courage and bravery following this attack and court process.

“I hope the sentence handed down to Kamela offers some justice to her.”