Controlling Killer Blamed Stair Fall for Lover’s Death – Caught Out by Bloody Evidence
Brutal Abuse Hidden Behind Shocking 999 Call
Dale Cole, 39, from Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty of murdering his partner Lisa Holland, 39, at Stafford Crown Court. On 20 October 2022, Cole rang 999 claiming Lisa had fallen down the stairs at their home.
Paramedics arrived quickly, but despite efforts to save her, Lisa was pronounced dead at the bottom of the stairs.
Postmortem Reveals Shocking Scale of Violence
The autopsy uncovered the horrific truth: Lisa suffered violent, repeated blunt force trauma over months. She had more than 40 broken ribs — old and fresh fractures — plus severe internal chest wounds.
At least 30 ribs were broken well before her death. Recent assaults also caused life-threatening internal abdominal injuries.
Cole’s Lies Exposed – Jury Hands Down Murder Verdict
Cole denied murder, admitting only manslaughter and controlling behaviour, despite nearly four years of abuse. The Crown Prosecution Service fought for a murder conviction and additional grievous bodily harm charges to show the full horror.
Today, the jury unanimously convicted Cole on all counts, bringing justice after a relentless campaign of terror that ended Lisa’s life.
