Asa Davison, aged 35, from Gillingham, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 6 January 2022 after being found guilty following an earlier trial of causing child destruction and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He was also convicted of offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

At around 11pm on Friday 29 May 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. Officers attended and could see she had significant injuries to her face.

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

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a truly horrific domestic assault by Asa Davison that sadly had tragic consequences as it resulted in his victim losing her unborn child.

“I hope this case demonstrates that we will do all we can to identify offenders who commit domestic abuse offences and ensure they are brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.

“We are also committed to supporting victims and I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to domestic abuse not to suffer in silence and please come forward.”

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.”

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 the police 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.