Partner Found Guilty of Murder After Falsely Claiming Victim 'Fell Down Stairs'
Dale Cole has been convicted of murdering his partner of five years, Lisa Holland, at their home in Burton-upon-Trent, following years of systematic abuse and a deceptive emergency call.
The 39-year-old from Grange Street attacked Ms. Holland at her Victoria Crescent residence on October 20, 2022, before abandoning her without assistance until it was too late, according to Staffordshire Police.
Deceptive Emergency Call and Fatal Delay
Cole contacted emergency services at 6:23 PM, approximately 90 minutes after evidence indicated Ms. Holland had lost consciousness. He informed West Midlands Ambulance Service that his partner had "fallen down the stairs" at their shared home.
By the time paramedics arrived, Ms. Holland had already succumbed to her injuries. Cole was arrested shortly afterward on suspicion of murder.
Horrific Injuries Revealed During Investigation
A post-mortem examination uncovered that Ms. Holland had endured violent and sustained blunt force assaults on multiple occasions. Forensic analysis revealed:
- More than 40 broken ribs, including both old and new fractures
- Serious internal chest injuries
- At least 30 rib fractures inflicted in the weeks and months preceding her death
- Significant, potentially life-threatening abdominal injuries sustained weeks before her death
Medical experts determined these injuries were "far too severe to have been caused by any kind of accidental fall down the stairs."
Court Proceedings and Additional Charges
A jury at Stafford Crown Court found Cole guilty of murder on Friday, March 20. He had been formally charged with the offense in July of the previous year.
Prior to the murder conviction, Cole had pleaded guilty to:
- Manslaughter
- Controlling or coercive behavior in an intimate relationship between October 29, 2018, and October 20, 2022
- One count of inflicting grievous bodily harm between September and October 2022
Additionally, he was found guilty of three counts of Section 18 offenses—grievous bodily harm with intent.
Family Tribute and Official Statements
Ms. Holland's family released an emotional statement following the trial, describing their "unmeasurable void" and remembering her as "an incredibly beautiful lady both inside and out" whose "illuminating smile and infectious laughter would light up any room."
Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor Lorraine Anson stated: "Dale Cole subjected Lisa Holland to sustained and horrific abuse over several years. He was violent and controlling throughout their relationship, and his callous conduct resulted in her death."
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald of Staffordshire Police's major investigations department emphasized: "Coercive and controlling behavior is not 'just' emotional abuse. It is a deliberate pattern of intimidation, fear and domination, and in Lisa's case, it escalated into unimaginable violence that ultimately cost her life."
He added that had Cole sought immediate medical attention after the fatal attack, "there is a chance Lisa could have survived. He chose instead to let her die and then tried to cover up his actions with lies."
