Man who left partner with bleed on brain in Hawes after attack jailed
The victim still suffers seizures over four years later
Last updated 13th Apr 2026
A man who assaulted his partner so badly it caused a bleed on her brain and left her with chronic pain and seizures has been jailed for over five years.
63-year-old Peter Sowerby, of Tiverton, Devon viciously attacked his partner in August 2021 at their home in Hawes.
Sowerby had been on a night out when he returned home to the Cocketts Hotel where they were living at the time.
He pushed his partner to the floor after an argument, sat on top of her, and repeatedly punched her in the face.
He also kicked her body.
She bit his finger and escaped, running to a relative's home.
In hospital, she was diagnosed with bruising, swelling, and a bleed on the surface of her brain.
To this day, the victim suffers seizures and pain, and cannot work in her previous career where she ran two hotels and a newsagents in Hawes.
Sowerby fled the country and set up a business in Thailand after the attack, meaning the victim had to sell her businesses and settle the debts left.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Martin Willoughby 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 of 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."
He was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.