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Abuser Found Guilty of Partner's Brutal Murder
20 Mar
Summary
- Partner died from inflicted internal injuries after sustained abuse.
- Accused admitted controlling behavior and inflicted at least 30 rib fractures.
- Graphic photos taken by defendant showed victim fatally injured.
Dale Cole has been found guilty of the murder of his partner, Lisa Holland, who died on October 20, 2022. The court was told Cole subjected Holland to years of 'violent' and 'controlling' abuse, leading to her death from severe internal injuries. She had suffered at least 30 rib fractures from Cole's assaults.
Cole, also convicted of three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, previously admitted to coercive behavior towards Holland between October 2018 and October 2022. Text messages revealed Holland's complaints of pain and bruising following Cole's attacks. He admitted to punching her multiple times on the day of her death.
Prosecutors presented graphic photographs taken by Cole of Holland after the fatal assault. A post-mortem examination confirmed at least 40 rib fractures, with over 30 inflicted in the preceding weeks and months. Holland's family described her as having an 'illuminating smile' and expressed their devastation at her loss.
