Asa Davison, from Gillingham, assaulted his pregnant partner on 29 May 2020, when she was 29 weeks pregnant.

He was convicted on Thursday 4 November 2021 following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was also found guilty of offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

He will return to court to be sentenced on Tuesday 21 December 2021.

On Friday 29 May 2020 Davison purposely caused injury to his partner’s stomach and dragged her along the floor. The victim managed to escape from Davison and hid in a residential garden until police arrived. She was taken to hospital, but sadly lost her baby.

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

On 16 September 2020, Davison assaulted his partner again, causing her facial injuries. On this occasion the victim sought solace in a local 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.

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.”

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.”

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse or you know someone who is being abused, please 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, please contact us at www.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 www.dorset.police.uk/da.