‘VIOLENT AND CONTROLLING’ MAN JAILED FOR MURDER
A "violent" and "controlling" man who subjected his partner to "sustained and horrific abuse" before beating her to death has been given a life sentence for her murder.Lisa Holland, 39, was found dead on 20 October 2022 in the house she shared with Dale Cole in Burton-upon-Trent.
Cole, 39, had inflicted serious internal injuries, and prosecutors said Holland's death was the culmination of a "long period of abuse" in which she had suffered at least 30 rib fractures at his hands.
In addition to murder, he was convicted of three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and was told he must serve a minimum sentence of 24 years in jail.
Cole had previously admitted controlling or coercive behaviour towards Holland between October 2018 and October 2022.
During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, prosecutor Edward Brown KC described Cole as "a violent, cowardly offender".
He was found to have inflicted at least 40 rib fractures, with 30 in the weeks and months before her death.
Analysis of her bank account revealed more than 50 deposits by the DWP totaling £35,000, with references such as "debt to society" and "Lisa loves Dale".
Det Ch Insp Ian Fitzgerald described Cole as "a violent, cowardly offender", highlighting the coercive control and manipulation he exerted over Holland, who suffered from alcohol dependency and was vulnerable.
Holland's injuries contrasted with her otherwise infectious laughter and bright personality, and her family expressed profound sadness and sorrow over her tragic death.
The post-mortem examination confirmed the extensive injuries incompatible with accidental fall, indicating deliberate violence.
The court sentenced Cole to life imprisonment, emphasizing his lack of remorse and the cruelty of his actions.
