Domestic abuse survivor fears revenge as ex-partner slated for early release

Mollie Cousins, a 29-year-old mother from Lancashire, recounted a harrowing assault in which her ex-partner Daniel Bowler strangled her while she cradled her infant daughter. Bowler, 32, was sentenced to five years after a court found him guilty of controlling behaviour, assault, strangulation and other crimes. Under a new early-release initiative intended to reduce prison overcrowding, Bowler will be eligible for release before completing his term, prompting Cousins to fear retaliation.

Although a lifetime restraining order bars him from approaching her, he has already violated bail conditions that forbid contact. Treasury secretary James Murray said the government cannot guarantee absolute safety for survivors, while officials stress that released prisoners will be electronically tagged and subject to movement restrictions. Domestic abuse charities highlighted concerns about probation services' capacity to enforce licence conditions, and survivors across the country expressed heightened anxiety over the policy.