DEREK WISWALL AND SHOCKING ASSAULT IN CHESHIRE
A convicted paedophile named Derek Wiswall has been returned to custody after assaulting his girlfriend merely three days following his release from prison in Cheshire.This disturbing incident has drawn significant attention from the legal system, highlighting the dangerous consequences of Wiswall's recent actions.
The turbulent chain of events begins with Wiswall’s relationship with his victim, which he established during his period of incarceration.
After his release from prison, he moved into her residence in Widnes, Cheshire, under the probation conditions in place and while he was actively seeking stable accommodation.
The court heard that Wiswall, aged 33, was released on licence on May 17, and it was during this brief period that the troubling incident unfolded.
According to the court's reports, Wiswall entered the victim’s home expecting to find a peaceful environment.
However, on May 20, tensions escalated rapidly when he discovered that she had been messaging another man via Facebook.
His perception of infidelity was mistaken, but it triggered a violent and aggressive reaction.
The prosecution, led by Ben Berkson, detailed how Wiswall responded by repeatedly spitting at her, physically pushing her around the flat, and ultimately punching her in the face, which caused her to fall to the ground crying.
The court was informed that Wiswall called her a derogatory term — “fat s**g” — and made a cruel remark suggesting she 'deserved everything she got.' During this assault, Ms.
Cowell sustained a swollen, black eye and attempted to reach out for help by calling a friend and trying to leave the premises.
Unfortunately, Wiswall, demonstrating further hostility, seized her phone and snapped it, rendering her communication impossible.
When she attempted to use her damaged laptop to contact someone for help, Wiswall proceeded to punch and damage her electronic devices, including the television sets in the living room and bedroom.
Despite her injuries, Ms.
Cowell remained at the address overnight.
The following morning, Wiswall continued to accuse her of being unfaithful, which exacerbated the situation.
As a further act of violence, after she went out to buy him some beer, he threatened to kill himself using a broken shard of glass.
His rage then intensified as he punched her again and caused damage to furniture in the home.
Realising she was in grave danger, Ms.
Cowell managed to escape from the property and sought refuge with a neighbor.
After she left, the police were promptly called to respond to the incident.
Her suffering did not end with the physical injuries; she later described feeling “very scared” and having to move back in with her mother, highlighting the long-lasting trauma inflicted by Wiswall’s actions.
The court documented that Wiswall has an extensive criminal history, including three previous convictions for eight separate offenses.
Notably, he was sentenced to seven months in prison in October 2020 for possessing indecent images.
In February 2022, he received an 18-week sentence for failing to comply with notification requirements related to his previous conviction.
At the time of the recent assault, Wiswall was out of prison on licence, which significantly influenced the severity of the sentencing.
His legal representative, Martyn Walsh, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Wiswall genuinely regrets his actions and hopes the court recognizes this.
Nonetheless, the court found that his latest crimes warranted a strict response.
On Wednesday, Wiswall pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage and was subsequently sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Additionally, he was issued a five-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with Ms.
Cowell and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Judicial authorities emphasized the seriousness of his attack, describing it as a “prolonged and persistent assault,” which violated the fundamental trust expected in intimate relationships.
Recorders such as Eric Lamb outlined that the attack took place within the victim’s own home, leaving her feeling unsafe and fearful for her future.
Concluding his remarks, Recorder Lamb noted that, given Wiswall’s recent release and the nature of his violent conduct, only immediate custody could serve as adequate punishment, outweighing any potential for rehabilitation at this juncture.
