Violent attacker guilty of killing partner's unborn child

Asa Davison, 35 and of Gillingham, was convicted of child destruction, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody and will return to court to be sentenced on Tuesday, December 21.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police, said: “Domestic abuse is abhorrent in any circumstances, but what makes the actions of Asa Davison particularly shocking is the tragic consequences for the victim with the loss of her unborn child.

“We take all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators such as Davison are brought to justice.

“We will do all we can to support victims and would encourage anyone who has been subjected to domestic abuse not to suffer in silence and please come forward.”

Asa Davison, 35 and of Gillingham, will be sentenced next month

Kate Lewis, CPS Wessex District Crown Prosecutor, said: “Right from the very beginning of this heart-breaking case, the CPS worked closely with the police to make sure there was a strong prosecution case. The evidence of witnesses, CCTV, medical professionals and mobile phone data meant that we were able to prove that Davison set out to attack his partner and cause the death of her child.

“Davison is a serial domestic abuser, whose violence caused the tragic death of an unborn baby. It is absolutely devastating to know that a baby, still entirely dependent on its mother, died at the hands of such a violent attacker.

“We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable people in our society by ensuring that violent perpetrators are brought to justice.”

At around 11pm on Friday, May 29, 2020, Davison and his then partner, who was 29 weeks pregnant, were in Gillingham town centre and she walked away from him.

The defendant was seen on CCTV on his bicycle looking for her and then followed her to an address in the town.

They left the address together and at around 11.50pm the victim ran away from Davison again as they walked back toward the town centre.

She began knocking on doors asking for help and a resident called police, who arrived at the scene. The victim hid in a residential garden until police arrived.

Officers attended and could see she had significant injuries to her face that appeared to be the result of an assault.

An ambulance was called and she was taken to hospital. She had sustained a number of fractures to her face and it was confirmed that her baby had died in her womb.

The victim admitted to a friend in hospital that Davison had lost his temper and had caused the injuries.

On September 16, 2020, Davison assaulted his partner again, causing her facial injuries. On this occasion the victim sought solace in a church hall in such a bloodied state that she was taken to a place of safety by members of the public and attended to by the police.

Following his arrest for these serious offences, Davison went on to pervert the course of justice by making phone calls to his partner, encouraging her to make a false statement to the police.

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse or you know someone who is being abused, report it to Dorset Police. This can be done in confidence.

If abuse is in progress and someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, contact the force at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Crimes can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For more information on help and advice around domestic abuse as well as details of agencies that can offer support visit dorset.police.uk/da.