Chorley Man Jailed for Brutal Murder of Partner Fiona Robinson
Jason Gowen, 27, from Congress Street, Chorley, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for the savage murder of his partner, 37-year-old Fiona Robinson. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court this morning after Gowen had previously pleaded guilty to the killing.
Fiona Found Dead After Horrific Assault
Fiona’s battered body was discovered at their home on Congress Street in the early hours of 26 May 2023. Gowen had called 999 claiming she was unconscious, suggesting she’d been poisoned or become ill after a night out. However, CCTV footage shattered that story, showing Fiona walking normally and pain-free as she returned home to Gowen.
Over the next 24 hours, Gowen subjected Fiona to a brutal assault. When paramedics arrived, they found her covered in bruises, bite marks, and facial cuts. The house was damaged with holes punched in walls and a suitcase wrecked nearby.
Heartbreaking Autopsy Details Fiona’s Sufferings
The post-mortem revealed horrifying injuries: 16 fractured ribs, five spine fractures, bruises old and fresh, and critical strangulation marks indicating suffocation. The trauma was lethal.
Warning Signs Missed Despite Past Abuse Reports
Fiona moved from Barrow-in-Furness to live with Gowen 15 months earlier. Friends and colleagues had repeatedly raised concerns about injuries and Gowen’s controlling behaviour. Police had even launched investigations after reports, and a Clare’s Law disclosure showed Gowen’s history of domestic abuse with previous partners. He was already facing assault charges from an earlier relationship, which were still ongoing.
That case will now run alongside his life sentence for Fiona’s murder. Gowen was also sentenced to 40 weeks for offences against a previous partner, to be served concurrently.
Justice has finally been served for Fiona after a tragic tale of control, violence, and heartbreak.
