Man jailed for attack on partner at village pub

A man who punched and kicked his partner so hard she suffered a brain injury has been jailed for more than five years - with police calling him a "danger to women".

Peter Sowerby, 63, attacked his partner at the hotel where they both lived in Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales in August 2021.

North Yorkshire Police said they had been on a night out with friends but when they returned home, Sowerby pushed his partner to the floor, punched her in the face and kicked her, only stopping when she bit his finger.

Sowerby, who now lives in Tiverton, Devon, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and jailed for five years and six months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday.

Police said the attack left the woman with a bleed to the surface of her brain and lasting health problems.

The injuries he caused were so severe that she continues to have seizures and can no longer work in her previous hospitality career.

Police said following the attack, the woman fled the Cocketts Hotel where she lived to a relative's accommodation in a nearby village and was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with bruising, swelling and the bleed on the surface of her brain.

Shortly after the attack, Sowerby left the UK and set up a business in Thailand, leaving the victim to deal with the sale of businesses in the UK and settle debts that were left behind.

Investigating officer Det Con Martin Willoughby paid tribute to the victim.

"An unending patience has been shown during the time it has taken to see justice being served to Sowerby," he said.

"The victim truly deserves some happiness and I hope that this court result helps bring some closure for her following a horrendous ordeal.

"My thanks go to her and her family for their unending support and patience."

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