A Nottingham man who subjected his former partner to a horrific eight-year campaign of physical and emotional abuse, culminating in strangulation, has been sentenced to four years in prison.
A Prolonged Reign of Terror
Fred Matthew, 49, of Chalfont Drive, Aspley, treated his victim with "absolute contempt", using her "as a punchbag" and turning her into a virtual prisoner in her own home. Nottingham Crown Court heard how the abuse spanned more than eight years, with violence occurring even when the woman was pregnant.
The court was told Matthew's controlling behaviour included monitoring his then-partner's movements through mobile phone tracking apps and CCTV cameras installed at their home. He actively tried to restrict her contact with family members, seeking to isolate her completely.
Escalation to Strangulation and Threats
The abuse reached a terrifying climax in August last year, when Matthew strangled the woman with both hands after she received a phone call from her sister. Prosecutor details described how he applied significant force, shaking her by the neck as she struggled to breathe.
Following this attack, Matthew made chilling threats to "chop up" her father and stated, “I’m going to pay someone to set fire to your sister’s house”.
When the survivor finally found the courage to end the relationship, Matthew bombarded her with a torrent of texts, calls, and voice notes pleading for reconciliation. These pleas quickly turned into further threats when she insisted he leave her alone.
Defying Court Orders and Final Sentencing
Matthew was first arrested in March 2025 after flying into Heathrow Airport from Iraq. Despite being released on bail with strict conditions prohibiting contact, he persistently ignored the order, continuing to harass his victim.
Even after being remanded into custody for breaching bail, he attempted to contact her from prison via phone calls and voicemails. He eventually pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and intentional strangulation.
On Thursday, January 15, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC sentenced Matthew to four years imprisonment. The judge told him he had created his own "monster" by refusing medication for mental health issues and self-medicating with cocaine and alcohol, which fuelled paranoia and delusion.
“You used her as a punchbag and treated her with absolute contempt, almost making her a prisoner in her own home,” Judge Rafferty stated. He agreed with psychiatric and probation assessments that Matthew remained a continuing danger to the victim.
In addition to the prison term, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order forbidding Matthew from any contact with the survivor.
Praise for Bravery and a Message to Others
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable David Passmore of Nottinghamshire Police commended the victim's immense courage. “This has taken a huge emotional toll on her over the last eight years,” he said, wishing her the best in rebuilding her life and confidence.
DC Passmore also issued a powerful message to others suffering in silence: “Police are here to help you and are waiting for your call.” He urged anyone in immediate danger to call 999, and emphasised that any historical or current abuse can be reported at any time, directly to police or through support charities.
“I hope this conviction will remind and reassure other survivors that they are not alone,” he concluded.
