Three men who horrifically abused partners or exes including Lisa Holland's killer Dale Vincent Cole sentenced after Staffordshire Police prosecutions

THREE men who horrifically abused their partners or exes man have been jailed following investigations by Staffordshire Police.

They include Dale Vincent Cole, 39, (above left) of Burton-on-Trent, who was found guilty of the murder of his partner of five years, Lisa Holland, following a trial at Stafford Crown Court, which concluded on Friday 20 March 2026.

He was also found guilty of three counts of Section 18 – grievous bodily harm with intent.

He pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, between October 2018 and October 2022, on 24 February.

Thirty-nine-year-old Lisa Holland (below) died at her home on Victoria Cresent, Burton-on-Trent, where she lived with Cole, on 20 October 2022.

After Cole attacked Lisa, he simply left her and did nothing to help her until it was too late. When he rang 999 at 6.23pm, an hour and a half after evidence shows she was unconscious, she had already died. He told West Midlands Ambulance Service that his partner ‘had fallen down the stairs’. He was arrested a short time later on suspicion of Lisa’s murder.

Lisa’s significant internal injuries were caused by Cole – in an attack and were far too severe to have been caused by any kind of accidental fall down the stairs.

In a statement, Lisa’s family said: “Words cannot even begin to describe how truly devastated we are to have lost our wonderful Lisa. Her death has left an unmeasurable void in the lives of us who love her so dearly.

“Lisa's illuminating smile and infectious laughter would light up any room. She was an incredibly beautiful lady both inside and out, who loved and cared so very deeply for her family and those around her.

“Dale Cole ended Lisa's life in the most cruel and violent way on the 20 October 2022. The devastation this has caused, and the pain we have, and continue to endure is almost too much to bear. She will be hugely missed, remaining forever in our hearts.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team at Staffordshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the barristers who have all worked tirelessly to get justice for our Lisa.      

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald, of our Major Investigations Department, said: “Lisa Holland should be alive today. She was a vulnerable woman who was systematically controlled, isolated and brutalised by a man who saw her as someone he could dominate without consequence.

“Coercive and controlling behaviour 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.

“Cole was a violent bully who weaponised Lisa’s vulnerabilities to maintain power over her. He punished her with regular, severe beatings and denied her the dignity, safety and care every person deserves.

“Had he 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.

“I want to thank the investigation team, the CPS, Mr Brown KC and Miss Ashley for their relentless work in bringing Cole to justice.

“My thoughts remain firmly with Lisa’s family and friends. I hope today’s verdict offers them some measure of comfort after the years of pain they have endured.”

Sentencing will take place on a date to be set. 

In a separate case, Kieran Hemming, 41, (above) of Mosspit, Stafford, who assaulted and strangled his ex-partner has been jailed.

Hemming turned up at his ex-partners house in September last year demanding to speak to her. He forced his way inside and pushed her to the floor before leaving.

In a separate incident in June 2024, Hemming strangled her following an argument inside the house. He then sent her a number of threatening emails.

After hearing about the abuse, we worked tirelessly to support the survivor and to gather all of the evidence needed to secure charges against him.

Because of this evidence, and the bravery of the survivor, Hemming pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault by beating and harassment – put in fear of violence. He was jailed for one-year-and-eight-months at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday (17 March).

Detective Constable Jessica Scott, from our criminal investigations department (CID), said: “Hemming subjected the survivor to a torrent of physical and emotional abuse and has rightfully been brought to justice for his actions."

In a third separate prosecution, Keiron Yates, 28, (above) of Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, who inflicted a campaign of physical and emotional abuse on his partner has been jailed.

Yates slapped, spat at and repeatedly abused the survivor during the course of their relationship. He deliberately damaged her mobile phone and clothes and drove her car dangerously in an attempt to scare her.

He also sent a number of messages of a threatening nature to the survivor.

When the abuse was reported to us, we worked hard to gather all of the evidence and to support the survivor as much as possible.

Because of her bravery, and the strength of the evidence, Yates admitted two counts of engaging in controlling / coercive behaviour. He was jailed for one-and-a-half-years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday (13 March).

PC Ben Germanek, from the Moorlands local policing team, said: “Yates was prolific in his abuse of the survivor, who has shown immense courage in coming forward and seeking support.

“We’re determined to do everything possible to safeguard victims of domestic abuse and to act robustly against offenders in Staffordshire.”

If you’re a survivor of domestic abuse and you feel ready to talk to police, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website.