A Pattern of Violence and Control

The abuse, which occurred between 2020 and 2024, was characterized in court as possessive and obsessive. Hanson’s behavior extended beyond physical violence to include emotional manipulation, leaving Lauren isolated and powerless. Key incidents included:

Strangulation and Death Threats

During one violent episode, Hanson was recorded strangling Lauren for two minutes. Lauren managed to secretly film the attack on her phone and later provided the footage to the police. Hanson also repeatedly threatened to kill Lauren, instilling constant fear in her.

Vodka Bottle Attack

In a particularly brutal incident, Hanson struck Lauren with a vodka bottle, rendering her unconscious. When Lauren regained consciousness, she discovered that Hanson had slashed her leg, leaving both physical and emotional wounds.

Setting Lauren on Fire

In an act of extreme cruelty, Hanson poured petrol over Lauren and ignited it with a cigarette, causing her boots to catch fire. This shocking act further traumatized Lauren and highlighted the severity of Hanson’s violence.

Isolation and Financial Control

Hanson systematically isolated Lauren by preventing her from using her phone, cutting off contact with her loved ones, and taking control of their shared bank account. Hanson also severed Lauren’s connection with her own child and destroyed the child’s clothing, intensifying Lauren’s sense of entrapment.

Lauren’s Emotional Testimony

In a heartfelt victim impact statement presented in court, Lauren described the lasting damage inflicted by Hanson. She explained that Hanson had left an indelible mark on her life, leaving her feeling ruined, vulnerable, and broken. Lauren revealed that she had come to terms with the fact that Hanson never truly loved her and was, in reality, her abuser. She expressed deep concern that she might never recover from the pain and suffering Hanson had caused and voiced her hope to never encounter Hanson again.

Lauren’s bravery in documenting the abuse and providing evidence played a crucial role in securing Hanson’s conviction.

Court Judgment and Sentencing

At Leeds Crown Court, Hanson was sentenced to four years in prison for their crimes. Alongside the prison term, the court issued a restraining order barring Hanson from contacting Lauren. The court emphasized that Hanson had demonstrated a propensity for extreme violence and posed a significant threat to their partner.

Police Response and Call for Action

Detective Constable Demi Stubbs, from Wakefield District Adult Safeguarding, commended Lauren for her courage and underscored the importance of recognizing domestic abuse in all types of relationships, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. Stubbs noted that the attack had been prolonged and brutal, with Hanson repeatedly threatening Lauren’s life and even turning violent toward a friend.

Stubbs stressed that Hanson’s actions revealed them to be a dangerous individual capable of extreme violence within a domestic setting. The case underscored that domestic abuse is not confined to heterosexual relationships. Stubbs urged members of the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing domestic abuse, whether physical or emotional, or who are concerned about a loved one, to seek help and report their experiences.

Conclusion

The case of Hollie Hanson highlights the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the critical need for victims to speak out. Lauren’s courage in coming forward and providing evidence not only brought her abuser to justice but also shed light on the importance of supporting abuse victims across all communities. While Hanson’s sentencing marks the end of a traumatic chapter for Lauren, her journey toward healing and recovery will undoubtedly be challenging.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it is essential to reach out to local authorities or support organizations. No one should endure such suffering in silence.