ROTHERHAM MAN JAILED FOR ABUSE AND CAUSING CAR CRASH
A domestic abuse offender who sought to control a woman's life and caused a car accident during an assault has been given a prison sentence exceeding five years.Matthew Aldridge, 33, of Lord Street, Rotherham, carried out long-term emotional and physical harm against his victim by restricting her contact with loved ones and using threats and violence to exert control.
Sheffield Crown Court revealed that Aldridge repeatedly assaulted and threatened her, including an incident where he strangled her while they were traveling, which resulted in a crash.
Despite her bravery in reporting the abuse to police, he attempted to intimidate her further and influenced her to change her statement to avoid prosecution.
Aldridge pled guilty to various crimes, including coercive control, actual bodily harm, witness intimidation, dangerous driving, criminal damage, and possession of a weapon.
He was sentenced last week to five years and two months behind bars.
He also received three eight-year restraining orders and was banned from driving for 49 months.
PC Rowley of South Yorkshire Police emphasized, “Aldridge's actions caused lasting emotional and psychological scars on his victim, and the effects are likely to endure for many years.
Domestic abuse remains a serious and dreadful crime.
This sentence aims to send a strong message that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and pursue justice in such cases, ensuring offenders are held accountable.”
