Detective Praises Bravery of Midlands Woman in Horrific Partner Attack Case
A Staffordshire Police detective has paid tribute to the immense bravery of a woman who endured a prolonged and horrifying attack by her partner, fearing for her life during the ordeal. The victim showed tremendous strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings, according to authorities.
Brutal Assault Details Revealed in Court
The court heard that Liam Dawson, aged 34, subjected his girlfriend to a sustained assault lasting several hours in Burton-on-Trent. The attack involved punching, kicking, and holding her head underwater, as well as slamming her head into a car door. In a particularly degrading act, Dawson defecated on her face as she regained consciousness.
Throughout the violent episode, Dawson repeatedly told the victim he was going to kill her, intensifying her terror. The assault began after Dawson deliberately crashed their black Audi S3 into metal railings on Kitling Greaves Lane in May last year.
Police Response and Arrest
Staffordshire Police officers responded to reports of a woman screaming in the area. They discovered Dawson and the victim next to the damaged vehicle, with the woman bruised and bleeding from her head. She informed officers that Dawson had driven them to the location before crashing on purpose and launching the attack.
During the assault, Dawson dragged the victim by her hair, removed her jewellery, and threw it along with her phone into a nearby brook. Nearby residents who heard the screams contacted police, leading to Dawson's arrest and the victim being taken to safety.
Court Sentencing and Tribute
Dawson, from Burton-on-Trent, was jailed for 15 years and three months at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, March 27. He initially denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but changed his plea before trial. In addition to his sentence, he will be held on an extended license for four years and received an indefinite restraining order.
Following the sentencing, Staffordshire Police Detective Constable Lauren Ashby stated: "I want to pay tribute to the tremendous strength and dignity of the victim throughout the investigation and court case, something which Dawson tried his utmost to strip her of."
"Bravely reading out her victim personal statement for the court, detailing the abuse she endured and how she believed she was going to die, is testament to her courage."
Det Con Ashby also thanked the members of the public who reported the incident, noting that their actions likely prevented a worse outcome. She emphasized that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and expressed hope that the sentencing encourages more victims of domestic abuse to come forward, assuring them of support and justice.
