Newspaper Sales Chief Injured Ex By Ripping Off Engagement Ring

A sales boss at News UK drunkenly yanked off his ex-fiancee’s £6,000 engagement ring during a late-night row, leaving a painful blood cut.

Orhan Erkut, 41, of Clive Road, Colliers Wood, demanded the return of the ring following the breakdown of their seven-year relationship.

The University of Nottingham graduate pleaded guilty to assaulting Kathryn Nixon on June 29 and causing criminal damage to her mobile phone screen.

Erkut is currently the Group Head at News UK (Senior Sales Manager), having been Financial Sales Manager at City A.M. and  Sales Executive at Express Newspapers.

Prosecutor Mr. Chidi Ikwuakolam told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “The victim was at home in her kitchen when Mr. Erkut arrived home drunk.

“She could see he was angry and he approached her and demanded back the engagement ring he bought her.

“She refused and said no, because it was given to her and was hers and this made him angry.

“He grabbed her hand and forcibly removed the ring, causing an injury to her hand.

“He grabbed her mobile phone from her hand as she tried to film him removing the ring on her finger and threw it on the floor and stamped on it twice.”

The court was shown an image of the victim’s bloody manicured finger.

Afterwards she said: “I am aware as a result of the incident our relationship has broken down.

“I was worried and anxious about what happens next and I was worried he’d throw me onto the street so slept with my house keys and telephone in my hand.

“He behaved unpleasantly when drunk and can become aggressive.”

Erkut’s lawyer Mr. Will Martin told the court the couple had split up the month before, but were still living under the same roof.

“There was significant strain on both sides and there was a disagreement specifically about the engagement ring.

“He accepts he tried to take the ring and that injury was caused, but he did not intend to cause injury.

“He expresses deep remorse and apologised days after the event.

“The ring has now found its way back to the complainant.”

District Judge Barbara Barnes announced: “This is violence caused during the break-up of a relationship.”

Bailing Erkut to return for sentencing on October 19 after the preparation of probation reports she added: “I want to see if there are any risks towards this lady or any other lady.”