RICHARD WILLIAMS FROM DAWLISH SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR BRUTAL ASSAULTS IN DEVON

A violent offender from Devon has been sentenced to prison following a savage attack on his former partner. Richard Williams, of Holman Close in Dawlish, pleaded guilty to three charges: assault occasioning actual bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, and criminal damage.

On August 22, 2024, Williams allegedly approached a man and delivered a forceful punch to his face, which rendered him unconscious and left him lying on the ground for nearly seven minutes. This unprovoked attack took place on The Strand in Dawlish, and the victim was subsequently taken to hospital.

Later that evening, police responded to a domestic disturbance at Williams' home in Dawlish. His former partner explained she had gone there to collect her belongings after deciding to end their relationship. During her attempt to leave, Williams prevented her from leaving and carried out a violent assault. She was bitten multiple times and struck repeatedly with a shoe as she tried to escape. Williams also tripped her and strangled her until she feared for her life. Despite her efforts to flee five times, he stopped her each time, escalating the violence. A neighbor, hearing her screams, intervened and took her inside to wait for the authorities. The neighbor also reported that Williams caused damage to a parked car outside the residence.

As a result of the attack, the victim sustained serious injuries across her body. On April 24, at Exeter Crown Court, 39-year-old Williams was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. A restraining order was also issued to protect the victim.

Detective PC Emma Phillips, the case officer, remarked, 'On the day in question Williams began by assaulting a stranger in public in what was a completely unprovoked and brutal attack. He then turned his attentions to his former partner who was forced to endure a truly terrifying and prolonged ordeal. Each time she bravely tried to escape, Williams would drag her back – including by the hair – and subject her to more violence. I would like to thank the two victims in this case for supporting the case and ensuring a violent and dangerous man has been brought to justice. We take all incidents of violence extremely seriously and will continue to investigate the incidents reported to us. If you have been the victim of an offence, you can report it to us via 101 or our website. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.'