BRISTOL GYM ATTACKER WHO IS A 'DANGER TO WOMEN' JAILED
A man responsible for creating fear among women through violent assaults within his own gym in Bristol has been sentenced to prison.David Flowers, aged 40, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing actual bodily harm, one count of false imprisonment, and one of criminal damage.
On Thursday, 17 August, Bristol Crown Court sentenced him to a term of five years and seven months.
The incidents occurred at Armoury Gym, also known as Real Fitness Gym, which Flowers owned and operated.
The establishment has since been sold and is now under new management.
During the trial, prosecutors described how on 10 September 2021, Flowers became enraged with his then-partner, repeatedly punching her over a span of three hours while making degrading remarks and damaging her possessions.
The victim escaped only when a gym staff member intervened.
Flowers was taken into custody and released on bail.
While out, he carried out a second assault on a different partner at the same gym on 22 February.
During this attack, he stole her phone, punched her, and broke her phone with a baton.
The victim managed to flee and was assisted by two passers-by to reach safety and call for help.
He was rearrested the same day and subsequently charged.
He remains remanded in custody.
In delivering his sentence, Judge Cullum described Flowers as a 'danger to women' and stressed the severity of his domestic assaults.
The court imposed two restraining orders preventing Flowers from contacting either woman indefinitely and prohibits him from entering specific parts of Bristol for the next five years.
Additionally, a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order was issued, requiring Flowers to notify police of any change in address or cohabitation with women.
Avon and Somerset Police’s Detective Inspector Nicholls commented: "Flowers is a violent individual with a history of violence against his partners.
"He used his place of work as a location for his attacks, withheld or damaged their property and left them fearing for their lives.
"He is a dangerous man and is now behind bars where he cannot cause any further harm.
"We would like to commend both victims for their bravery in coming forward.
They have shown incredible resilience throughout the criminal process and great courage when hearing the details of each other's cases at the sentencing hearing.
"We hope this result, including the restraining order, will go a long way to making them feel safer."
