DORKING MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT DOMESTIC ABUSE CAMPAIGN

A Surrey man named Joseph Alcock was sentenced to nearly six years in jail after admitting to multiple domestic assault charges against his wife, Sarah Rowland. The 43-year-old, who had a history of previous convictions including threatening messages, was convicted of a sustained campaign of violence and control during their 10-year marriage. Miss Rowland, aged 51, had endured years of severe abuse, including head and facial attacks, stabbing her leg with a knife, and being assaulted while asleep. She documented her injuries in case she was killed, stating, "Words cannot describe what I have been through," and shared how Alcock closely monitored her movements, leaving her feeling worthless, ugly, and afraid. CCTV footage from September 6, 2020, captured Alcock violently attacking Miss Rowland in the Prince of Wales pub in Dorking, knocking her to the floor, hitting her from behind, and rendering her unconscious, after which he continued to punch and kick her. The footage was described as "chilling" and showed Alcock's violent temper. After her escape, she was found injured and taken to hospital. The court recognized her bravery in providing a detailed impact statement. Alcock, who described himself as a former semi-professional boxer, had two previous convictions and fled court in May 2022. Judge Fraser sentenced him to 5 years and 10 months, calling his actions a "sustained campaign of domestic abuse" and likening him to a "violent bully". The judge also issued a restraining order and highlighted that Alcock knew there was CCTV, which showed his confidence in abusing her without fear of consequences.