MAN WHO STRANGLED EX-PARTNER, BROKE HER ARM AND PESTERED HER WITH 3,000 CALLS JAILED
A domestic violence perpetrator who subjected his former partner to physical assault and strangulation, and then repeatedly called her over 3,000 times within a span of 12 days, has received a prison sentence.Anthony Matthews, aged 43, from Eltham, committed attacks against his ex-partner, ignored a court-issued restraining order, and continued to harass her via phone calls.
He was sentenced to three years and one month behind bars.
The initial police report was filed on September 6 of the previous year after Matthews assaulted her, strangling her and breaking her wrist by pushing her into a wardrobe.
Law enforcement officers attended the scene, documented her injuries, and referred her to domestic abuse support organizations.
Authorities collaborated with Lewisham Council to install security measures such as alarms and implemented a restraining order to protect her.
Matthews faced multiple charges, including GBH (grievous bodily harm), wilful strangulation, threats to kill, and assault by beating.
He was held in custody for more than a month but later received conditional bail during an October hearing in Woolwich Crown Court.
On February 24, the victim contacted police, reporting that Matthews was violating his bail conditions and that his conduct was deteriorating.
Enquiries revealed he had placed over 3,000 calls to her within just 12 days, which equates to more than one call every six minutes.
Analysis of the phone data showed he left 30 voicemails filled with abusive and offensive language.
Some messages indicated he was physically present outside her residence, watching her.
These voicemails were introduced as evidence at Matthews’ trial, alongside her witness statements recounting the abuse.
On August 9, Anthony Matthews, of Lovelace Green, Eltham, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to 37 months in prison for multiple charges, including GBH, strangulation, threats to kill, assault by beating, criminal damage, stalking through fear, and malicious online communications.
A restraining order was also issued against him.
Detective Constable Jack Mounstephen, who led the investigation, praised the victim for her bravery in reporting her abuse, emphasising the importance of victim support and law enforcement’s commitment to tackling domestic violence.
He affirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute those who commit violence against women and girls in domestic settings, aiming to protect the community from further harm.
