Teenager films father smashing front door down during attack that left mother with staples in her head
Andrew Clifton was jailed after footage was shown in court - but daughter Maysa still visits him in prison
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenage girl who helped put her father behind bars after filming him launch an attack on her mother says she has no regrets.
Maysa Rosato-Clifton, 15, recorded dad Andrew battering down the door to mum Tania’s home in order to assault her.
The attack, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, left Ms Rosato needing seven staples in her head after she was knocked unconscious and repeatedly stamped on.
It was only the latest in a catalogue of violence meted out by 53-year-old Clifton during the couple’s 34-year on-off relationship.
But after Maysa presented her film to police, he was locked up for eight years.
“I feel quite bad I videoed it and put my dad in that situation,” the teenager told the Sunday Mirror. “I was just focused on my mum.
“I remember asking my dad to stop but it carried on. I was in shock and thought I might need proof.”
The violence started after the youngster had spent the day with her lorry driver father, who was not living with the family at the time.
When he dropped her off home and told her not to follow him to the door, she says she immediately suspected there would be trouble and defied his order.
She started filming as he attempted to smash his way into the house where Ms Rosato, 51, was waiting.
When her footage starts, the door’s glass panes are already broken and her mum is already desperately on the phone to police.
Although Maysa did not capture the moment her dad forced his way in and launched the ferocious attack on Ms Rosato herself, the film was enough to help police charge him.
He was found guilty of GBH with intent at Luton Crown Court in May and sentenced to eight years as well as being given a lifetime restraining order in relation to his ex-partner.
Now, despite everything, it seems the youngster still goes to see him in jail.
“She visits him every fortnight,” her mother said. “She hasn’t forgiven him – she’s very angry at him. But she says he is still her dad and she wants to see him.
“Apparently he has found God – but he is still saying that I deserved it.”