Man who punched successful businesswoman so hard it caused a bleed on her brain is jailed
A man who punched his partner so hard it caused a bleed on her brain has been jailed over the attack.
Peter Sowerby attacked his partner, who was a successful businesswoman in North Yorkshire, following a night out with friends in August 2021.
Sowerby, 63, punched his partner to the floor following an argument after the night out, and then sat on top of her and began to punch her in the face repeatedly and kick her body.
The victim managed to flee to a relative’s home in a nearby village after she bit his finger so she could make her escape.
She was taken to hospital where she was diaganosed with bruising, swelling, and a bleed on the surface of her brain. Over four years after the attack, the victim is still in constant pain and suffering from seizures.
His victim, a highly successful businesswoman who ran two hotels and a newsagents in the Wensleydale village of Hawes, is still in pain almost five years on from the attack, and still suffers seizures.
She is unable to continue her career in hospital, while Sowerby left the UK and set up a business in Thailand shortly after he attacked her.
The 63-year-old left the victim to deal with the sale of the businesses in the UK and settle the debts that were left behind.
Sowerby, now of Tiverton, Devon but who previously lived in Hawes, was jailed for five years and six months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (Apr 13) after being found guilty by jury of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Willoughby, of North Yorkshire Police, paid tribute to the victim.
He said: “An unending patience has been shown during the time it has taken to see justice being served to Sowerby.
“Sowerby attacked his victim in August 2021 and the case has been set for trial on four occasions.
“Sowerby has frustrated the justice process resulting in three out of the four trials being adjourned, often at the last minute after both victim and witnesses had already booked accommodation and in some cases, taken time off work.
“Despite these delays, the victim and her family have shown unwavering support for the investigation, resulting in a man who is a danger to women being put behind bars.
“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.
“This case shows that no matter what challenges people may be faced with during a police investigation into such sensitive offences – and we understand how difficult it can be - please be assured that we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators to justice and put measures in place to support you through the process.
“Domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls are treated with the utmost importance and I would encourage all victims of abuse to come forward”.