A mother from Lancashire who survived a violent attack by her former partner expressed deep concerns over his early release from prison, fearing he may seek retaliation. Mollie Cousins, 29, detailed the abuse she endured during her relationship with Daniel Bowler, a 32-year-old lorry driver, who was convicted last December of multiple offenses including controlling and coercive behavior, assault, strangulation, harassment, and criminal damage.
Bowler’s abusive behavior toward Cousins began after he contacted her on Facebook. Over the course of about a year, he subjected her to escalating control and violence. This included monitoring her phone use, isolating her from friends and family, and humiliating her by sharing an intimate video with relatives. The abuse culminated in a terrifying attack where Bowler strangled Cousins while she held her newborn daughter and then assaulted her further as she attempted to escape.
Judge Graham Knowles, presiding at Preston Crown Court, sentenced Bowler to five years in prison, warning that he was a dangerous person. Despite this, Bowler became eligible for early release under a government program aimed at easing prison overcrowding. Since yesterday morning, around 4,500 prisoners are being released in phases. Treasury Secretary James Murray acknowledged concerns about safety but indicated an inability to guarantee outcomes once offenders are released.
Cousins said she fears for her safety despite a lifetime restraining order prohibiting Bowler from contacting her. She highlighted previous breaches of his bail conditions as a source of distress. In efforts to protect herself and her children, she has changed her address, appearance, vehicle, and her eldest child’s school.
Following notification in June from her victim liaison officer about Bowler’s eligibility for early release, Cousins met with Alex Davies-Jones, the minister responsible for victims and tackling violence against women. She was told that indefinite imprisonment is not a feasible option but remains deeply unsettled about the decision. “I’m traumatised by what happened and what will happen next. It’s like I’m on a sentence and I’m the one being punished,” she said.
Cousins has launched a petition with over 1,000 signatures calling for reforms to protect domestic abuse survivors from early release schemes. She criticized the current system for failing to prioritize victims’ safety and well-being.
Her concerns echo warnings from Dame Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner, who stated that many survivors nationwide face ongoing fear and insecurity as a result of government policies and shortcomings within the criminal justice system. Meanwhile, probation staff unions have highlighted intense workload pressures and expressed fears that early releases could lead to further serious offenses.