LEE DAMIAN DAWSON FROM HUNCOAT SENTENCED FOR VIOLENCE IN ACCRINGTON AND BLACKBURN

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Lee Damian Dawson, a 43-year-old man from Huncoat, has been convicted and sentenced for a violent assault against his partner. Dawson, who works in a pub and has a troubling criminal history with five previous convictions—including an incident of assault occasioning actual bodily harm—was found guilty of both battery and false imprisonment following a disturbing incident that took place last November in Accrington.

According to court reports, the assault was triggered by Dawson’s suspicions that his partner was unfaithful, specifically accusing her of sleeping with other men. The situation escalated rapidly, culminating in Dawson physically attacking her in a manner that left her with visible injuries. Witnesses and the victim herself recounted that Dawson grabbed her around the throat with both hands, laughing as she struggled to breathe, a detail that underscored the brutality of the assault. The victim managed to escape by climbing through a window, an act that likely prevented further harm.

After escaping, she sought help from a passing motorist, explaining her predicament with a desperate plea: “Can you help me. My boyfriend has beaten me up and taken my phone so I can't ring the police.” This plea highlights the severity of her situation and the immediate danger she was in. Prosecutor Stephen Parker detailed how Dawson continued his assault by punching her repeatedly in the head, causing her to sustain defensive injuries. During the attack, Dawson also confiscated her mobile phones and house keys, effectively trapping her and preventing her from calling for assistance. Her screams for help as she tried to escape through the window further illustrated the violence she endured.

In his police interview, Dawson admitted to losing control during the incident but claimed that his partner had provoked him. Despite this, he pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging his actions. The court sentenced him to nine months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, Dawson was ordered to complete a 50-day rehabilitation program and was issued a five-year restraining order to keep him away from the victim. The court acknowledged his remorse and efforts to seek help, including abstaining from alcohol and engaging with mental health support services such as Mind Matters.

Furthermore, Dawson has been banned from entering Accrington, a measure intended to protect the victim and prevent further incidents. The judge condemned his behavior as 'hideous,' emphasizing that his manipulative and controlling conduct was unacceptable. The court made it clear that violence is never justified, regardless of provocation. Dawson, who currently resides on Stephen Street in Blackburn, was reminded of the importance of respecting boundaries and the law in the wake of this serious conviction.