Locations
The Highgrove, Bolton, BL1
Description
A woman, who was subjected to a pattern of abuse at the hands of a 43-year-old man from Bolton, has seen justice after a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape. He previously pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and S47 assault.
Dean Holmes (19/01/1983) of The Highgrove, Bolton, has today been sentenced to 14 years and 3 months in prison after a brave woman came forward to report to us the abuse she suffered.
Holmes repeatedly forced the survivor to engage in sexual activity with him, despite her repeated refusals and requests to stop, and he raped her on numerous occasions. He also assaulted her and verbally berated her over a period of two years.
His abuse wasn’t limited to physical, and Holmes displayed significant signs of controlling and coercive behaviour against the survivor. He forced her to cut ties with her friends and family members, and constantly checked up on her and tracked her movements when she was out.
After the survivor courageously came forward and his arrest in October 2025, Holmes consistently denied all of the offences and continued to blame the survivor. But a jury held him accountable for his behaviour and found him guilty at a trial for rape.
Detective Constable Paul Milligan from our Bolton Criminal Investigation Department, and OIC for this case, said:
"I'd firstly like to thank the victim for her incredible courage in bringing this case to the courts.
"Her strength in coming forward and supporting this whole investigation has helped us keep Holmes behind bars for the damage, hurt, and trauma he caused.
"The survivor's life had been dictated by Holmes for too long, and I hope, whilst this sentence does not take back the pain she endured, it helps her feel a sense of closure and security.
"If you see the signs of controlling and coercive behaviour, or physical abuse, coming forward is always the right thing to do, and we urge you to do so in your own time.
"Nobody deserves to go through this, or any type of abuse, and your care is always our priority.
"No matter when these offences take place, and no matter how small you think it may be, we urge people to contact us and report it. We will always respond and treat you with the utmost care, respect and sincerity."