A vile predator who broke into a pregnant woman’s home and brutally raped her while her kids slept upstairs has been locked up for 23 years.
Horrific Night of Terror in Liverpool
Liam Cowley, 32, armed himself with two kitchen knives and warned the victim: “You know what’s going to happen next” before launching a savage attack. The court heard how he targeted a vulnerable pregnant woman at her Liverpool home, threatening and intimidating her throughout the ordeal.
The defendant on a number of occasions just did what he wanted when he wanted in circumstances where she was not consenting to it, and he was repeatedly threatening and intimidating her.” – Prosecutor Martine Snowdon, Liverpool Crown Court
Violence and Control – Attempted Escape Ends in Choking
Cowley was violent from the start. He headbutted and spat at the woman. When she refused to make him a steak, he punched her and smashed her phone to stop her calling 999.
Desperate, she fled outside screaming for help, but no one answered. Cowley dragged her back inside, choking her until she blacked out. On the floor, he kicked her violently. Despite her pleas, reminding him she was pregnant, he threatened her with a broken vacuum tube and smashed the TV. He tore at her clothes and forbade her from checking on her children or leaving his sight.
Twisted Threats Before Repeated Rape
Cowley coldly placed one knife by the door and another on the sofa, telling her: “You know what’s going to happen next.” When she feared he’d kill her, he chillingly replied: “No, much worse.”
He then raped her twice before falling asleep. The brave mum then escaped with her children to a nearby shop and called the police.
Fugitive Life, More Abuse & Final Conviction
Cowley skipped his 2024 trial in Liverpool and fled to Norfolk, using the fake name Tommy Lee King. In a shocking twist, he dated a teenager and moved into her mum’s house. During their five-month relationship, he attacked the 19-year-old multiple times.
He was finally caught and convicted of three rapes, four counts of strangulation, threats to kill, two assaults, and breaching bail. His claims of mental health disorders were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Now with no fixed address, Cowley was handed an 18-year prison sentence plus five years on licence for dangerousness—a brutal 23 years locked up for his reign of terror.
