Dean Powell, 51, of Ross Road, Longhope, has been sentenced to four years in prison plus an extended three-year licence for a sustained and terrifying campaign of violence against his partner. The Gloucester Crown Court heard harrowing testimony of repeated assaults that left the victim terrified and severely injured.
Throughout 2023, Powell subjected the woman to brutal attacks including smashing a glass into her head, beating her unconscious, and threatening to sever her fingers, hands, and even her head with a machete. In one terrifying incident, Powell, while on bail for previous offences, entered their remote farm home with a machete and demanded the woman place her hand on the table so he could cut it off. When she refused, he threatened to cut off her head and violently struck her, leaving her with significant blood loss and lasting scars.
Powell’s violence extended beyond physical abuse. He repeatedly breached a non-molestation order by contacting the woman, attending her home, and inundating her with calls despite court restrictions. The court also learned that Powell has an extensive criminal history with 41 convictions for 102 offences, including serious assaults on two other women involving headbutts, punches, bites, and threats with weapons.
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Judge Rupert Lowe KC condemned Powell’s actions as ferocious and deliberate attempts to instill fear of serious injury or death. “You could kill somebody one day, and I feel you really do present a danger of doing that,” the judge stated, highlighting Powell’s dangerous history of violence towards women.
Powell pleaded guilty to four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of breaching a non-molestation order. However, due to the severity of the offences, the Crown did not accept his pleas, and a trial of fact was held where the victim courageously gave evidence.
In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-year restraining order preventing Powell from contacting or approaching the victim or her residence and posting about her on social media. The extended sentence underlines the persistent threat Powell poses to anyone close to him.
PC Ryan Foxall, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward despite Powell’s attempts to shift blame. He described Powell’s actions as some of the worst he has seen in his career and welcomed the sentence as a vital step toward justice and healing for the survivor.