Ben Matthews, aged 26, has been sentenced to four years and ten months in prison following a prolonged campaign of abuse against his partner, which lasted over 18 months. The Wolverhampton man subjected the woman to physical and emotional torment, including holding a knife to her throat and brandishing what she believed was a real firearm.
During the abusive relationship, Matthews threatened to beat the woman if she did not have an abortion, an assault that tragically resulted in her suffering a miscarriage. He also made chilling threats towards her former partner, vowing to set his home on fire.
The court heard how Matthews’s intimidation extended to threatening to slit the victim’s throat and inflicting serious injury, including promising to ‘cave her skull in’. In a particularly disturbing incident, he told the victim that if she died unexpectedly, he would abuse her sexually before alerting the authorities.
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Matthews appeared at Worcester Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and criminal damage; however, he was found guilty of intentional strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour. The court was told that he used guilt, emotional manipulation, and threats to dominate aspects of the victim’s personal life, leaving her feeling powerless.
Detective Constable Amy Cook described the case as “a prolonged and deeply distressing campaign of abuse”, emphasising the devastating impact of non-physical domestic abuse. She commended the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation and court process, which was crucial in securing the conviction.
West Mercia Police highlighted the importance of Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to access information about a partner’s history of violence or abuse, helping people make informed choices regarding their safety.
Police urge anyone at risk of domestic abuse to seek help and remind the public to call 999 in an emergency.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of controlling and coercive behaviour and the crucial need for awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse.