MAN JAILED AFTER MAKING WOMAN'S LIFE A MISERY FOR EIGHT YEARS
A woman who had the courage to report her abusive partner to the police has been commended for her bravery after her ex-partner was sentenced to prison for acts of control and coercion.The survivor suffered both emotional and physical abuse over a span of eight years at the hands of Fred Matthew, aged 49, who regularly displayed violent behavior, including during her pregnancy in 2017.
During a court hearing at Nottingham Crown Court, it was disclosed that in August last year, Matthew strangled her after she answered a phone call from her sister.
This assault was followed by threats from Matthew to "cut up" her father and to have her sister’s house set on fire, with him claiming he would pay someone to carry out these acts.
The judge during her sentencing explained that Matthew had become a "monster" under the influence of drugs and alcohol, in addition to refusing medication for mental health issues.
His behavior was worsened by his cocaine use, which made him more deluded and paranoid.
He also tracked her location through mobile apps and CCTV at their residence.
The court learned that after their breakup, Matthew persistently contacted her via text messages, phone calls, and voicemails, asking her to take him back.
When she told him to stop, he issued additional threats.
He was arrested in March 2025 at Heathrow Airport after returning from Iraq.
Following his arrest, he was interviewed and released on strict bail conditions that prohibited him from contacting the woman, as investigations continued.
Despite these conditions, he continued to send her messages and attempted to reach her through various means.
This led to his re-arrest and remand in custody.
Even in prison, he tried to contact her by leaving voicemails and making calls.
Matthew, of Chalfont Drive, Aspley, Nottingham, was sentenced on January 15 after admitting to controlling and coercive behaviour along with strangulation, emphasizing the importance of accountability and support for victims.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Rafferty KC also made Matthew the subject of an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from making contact with the victim.
