MAN HAS BEEN SPARED AN IMMEDIATE JAIL SENTENCE, DESPITE STRANGLING HIS EX-PARTNER.
Jamie Michael Matthews, aged 29, appeared before Mold Crown Court on September 5, where he received a sentence of 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being convicted of assaulting his former partner in May.The court learned that Matthews, residing on Trefeglwys Road in Llanidloes, and the victim had maintained a relationship for over 13 years prior to the incident, which occurred at their residence in Llandrindod Wells on May 5.
Initially, Matthews denied charges of intentional strangulation and assault, but he changed his pleas to guilty for both offences on the morning of his trial at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court in August.
Prosecutor Paulinus Barnes stated: “The defendant was in a relationship with the victim for 13 years.
She reported him a year ago for assault, and had told him multiple times that the relationship was over.
He struggled to accept this and reportedly became possessive.
On May 5, Matthews went to a local golf course, but when his partner, feeling unwell, contacted him to come home and help care for their children aged one and three, he returned after about an hour, visibly angry.
He approached her on the sofa, placing his hands around her neck.
When she attempted to leave, he grabbed her wrists, and she ran to a neighbour's house; however, he followed her, lifted her up, and brought her back inside.
The next day, Matthews repeatedly apologised for his behaviour.
A victim impact statement read: “I was terrified and felt helpless.
I cannot forgive him.” Mr Barnes added that Matthews had no prior convictions but had a caution for assault in 2022.
Defence lawyer Rosemary Proctor mentioned that her client’s temper had worsened in recent years, particularly after becoming a father, and emphasized the need for him to develop emotional maturity.
Judge Nicola Saffman remarked that Matthews’ previous record contrasted with the domestic violence evident in this case.
She suspended the prison sentence for two years and mandated 20 days of rehabilitation activities.
A restraining order lasting three years was issued, along with orders for Matthews to pay £340 in legal costs and a surcharge of £187.
