Three-year jail term meted out to domestic abuser who broke ex-partner’s arm

A man who fractured his ex-partner’s arm and made threats to kill has been jailed for domestic abuse.

Anthony Matthews, 43, of Lovelace Green, Eltham, was sentenced on Friday to 37 months at Woolwich Crown Court. He was also issued a restraining order.

He was found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm, strangulation, threats to kill, three counts of assault by beating, two counts of criminal damage, one of stalking through fear of violence and one of stalking through malicious communications online.

Matthews’ ex-partner initially called the police following an incident on September 6 last year in which Matthews was accused of strangulation.

Met officers attended after the victim managed to free herself from his grasp. They immediately began to gather evidence and captured photographs of the victims’ injuries, including a fractured wrist after they were thrown into a wardrobe during the violent episode.

Specialist Met officers offered immediate support to the victim, advising her on domestic abuse charities for further psychological support and expert welfare and advice.

Officers also worked with Lewisham council to fit a security system and panic alarms and put in place a restraining order against Matthews.

The victim called the police on February 24 after Matthews had breached his bail conditions, with his behaviour spiralling out of control.

It was discovered that Matthews called her more than 3,000 times in a 12-day period. Met analysers trawled through phone data, finding 30 voicemails with abusive and offensive language – some of which had reference to Matthews sitting outside of the victim’s property and watching her.

This evidence was used as part of the defendant’s trial, leaving no doubt in the jury’s mind of his guilt.

Detective Constable Jack Mounstephen, who led the investigation, said: “I want to commend the victim who bravely told officers about what had been happening to her.

“This showed huge courage and I hope this case will demonstrate to any other victims of domestic abuse in Lewisham that we are there to listen and will take action to keep you safe.

“We are coming for those who intend to carry out violence against women and girls behind closed doors. We will do everything in our power to protect victims and target domestic abusers who prey on innocent members of our community.”

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there’s an emergency that’s’ on going or life endangering, call 999.

Other ways to report: Anonymously report online on behalf of yourself or another, call 101 or visit a local police station.

For more information from charities on specialist support please Refuge’s website, the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women.

Pictured top: Anthony Matthews (Picture: The Met)