Violent Staffordshire 'bully' who claimed his partner 'fell down the stairs' found guilty of murder
A man who murdered his vulnerable partner then claimed she "fell down the stairs" has been found guilty.
Dale Cole, aged 39, of Grange Street, Burton-on-Trent, has today (March 20) been convicted of the murder of 39-year-old Lisa Holland following a trial at Stafford Crown Court.
Miss Holland was found unresponsive at the bottom of the stairs at her home in Burton-on-Trent on October 20, 2022, after Cole called 999 and claimed she had fallen.
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West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics attended, and despite the efforts of the crew she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination revealed she had been subjected to "violent and sustained blunt force assaults" on more than one occasion.
Forensic tests found Miss Holland also had 40 broken ribs, including both old and new fractures, together with serious internal chest injuries.
It was found that at least 30 of the rib fractures had been inflicted in the weeks and months before her death.
She had also sustained "significant and potentially" life-threatening injuries to her abdomen in the weeks before her death.
During the trial, Crown counsel Edward Brown KC said Cole was violent, manipulative and controlled Miss Holland, who suffered with alcohol dependency and was vulnerable, and her money.
He had flown into a rage when he returned home from work on the day she was killed to find the front door was locked and Miss Holland was not answering the door.
Members of Miss Holland’s family had previously noticed she had black eyes on at least three occasions, which she blamed on their dog or walking into furniture.
Neighbours also reported hearing slapping sounds, repeated arguments in which Miss Holland was told to shut up, crying and also later said she appeared frightened and anxious.
In a statement, Miss Holland's family said: “Words cannot even begin to describe how truly devastated we are to have lost our wonderful Lisa. Her death has left an unmeasurable void in the lives of us who love her so dearly.
“Lisa's illuminating smile and infectious laughter would light up any room. She was an incredibly beautiful lady both inside and out, who loved and cared so very deeply for her family and those around her.
“Dale Cole ended Lisa's life in the most cruel and violent way on October 20 2022. The devastation this has caused, and the pain we have, and continue to endure is almost too much to bear. She will be hugely missed, remaining forever in our hearts.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team at Staffordshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the barristers who have all worked tirelessly to get justice for our Lisa."
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald, of Staffordshire Police's Major Investigations Department, said: “Lisa Holland should be alive today. She was a vulnerable woman who was systematically controlled, isolated and brutalised by a man who saw her as someone he could dominate without consequence.
“Coercive and controlling behaviour is not ‘just’ emotional abuse. It is a deliberate pattern of intimidation, fear and domination—and in Lisa’s case, it escalated into unimaginable violence that ultimately cost her life.
“Cole was a violent bully who weaponised Lisa’s vulnerabilities to maintain power over her. He punished her with regular, severe beatings and denied her the dignity, safety and care every person deserves.
“Had he sought immediate medical attention after the fatal attack, there is a chance Lisa could have survived. He chose instead to let her die and then tried to cover up his actions with lies.
“I want to thank the investigation team, the CPS, Mr Brown KC and Miss Ashley for their relentless work in bringing Cole to justice.
“My thoughts remain firmly with Lisa’s family and friends. I hope today’s verdict offers them some measure of comfort after the years of pain they have endured.”
Lorraine Anson, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: "Dale Cole subjected Lisa Holland to sustained and horrific abuse over several years.
"He was violent and controlling throughout their relationship, and his callous conduct resulted in her death."
Cole denied killing Miss Holland, but pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to manslaughter and controlling or coercive behaviour towards Miss Holland between October 29, 2018, and October 29, 2022.
However the CPS pursued the murder charge, as well as three counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm. He was found guilty of all the charges today.
Ms Anson said: "The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Staffordshire Police over several months to build a strong case and ensure the true extent of his abuse over many years was placed before the jury.
"Our thoughts remain with Lisa's family and loved ones following the conclusion of these proceedings."
Cole will be sentenced at a date to be fixed.
