A Kensington man has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison and a further three years on licence and an indefinite restraining order against his victim for a serious domestic incident earlier this year.
27-year-old Lewis Dunn was sentenced today (Tuesday 27 September) at Liverpool Crown Court.
He was sentenced for the following offences:
- False imprisonment; Section 20 Assault and three counts of criminal damage.
- Further offences of Section 18 wounding with intent;
- Section 20 assault and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour will remain on file.
On Tuesday 22 February, Dunn attended the home address of his former partner and caused damage to two vehicles and her home.
Later the same day, after making threats, Dunn met with the victim and took her to a flat where he kept her against her will and prevented her from escaping. He then subjected her to multiple assaults, resulting in 23 separate injuries including fractures, serious bruising, cuts and cigarette burns.
Officers were called to the address on Thursday 24 February to a report of a stabbing. It transpired that the victim had seized an opportunity and managed to flee from her ordeal.
Dunn went on the run and after an extensive investigation was located in Anfield at the beginning of March by the Merseyside Police Fugitive Team. Following an extensive investigation by detectives in the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit he was charged with multiple offences.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Lucy Nicholson said, “This was a horrendous and prolonged incident of extreme violence, threats and damage to property, against a longer term background of coercive and controlling behaviour.
“Dunn put his victim through an unimaginable ordeal, during sentencing he was assessed as a dangerous offender at risk of committing future offences and causing serious harm.
“The impact on the victim, both physical and psychological, continues to be significant and we support her recovery.”
Detective Inspector Steven O’Neill added, “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that incidents of domestic violence will simply not be tolerated and there can be hope and help available for anyone who may be suffering.
“Merseyside Police will go to all lengths possible to bring perpetrators of domestic violence to justice and support victims.
“I would like to emphasise that there is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you.
“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion.
“Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.
“If you want to report domestic abuse, contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or seek specialist support call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid.”
Image: Lewis Dunn/Merseyside Police
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