DOMESTIC ABUSER SENTENCED FOR SEVERE ASSAULT AND ENDANGERMENT
Matthew Clarke, aged 41, has been convicted of serious domestic abuse crimes against his partner.He held a pillow over her face and repeatedly punched her, causing her to fear for her life.
Despite her pleas, Clarke continued assaulting her, including smashing her phone to prevent her from calling for help, and physically attacking her with cans of cider, hitting her with a can, and pouring drinks over her.
He entered her home uninvited while she was showering and accused her of cheating.
Clarke then returned later that day and continued his violent assault, striking her multiple times and restraining her with a pillow over her face on three or four occasions for several minutes, until she feared she was going to die.
The victim managed to retrieve a kitchen knife, and despite Clarke's accusations and aggression, she called for help, which led to his arrest.
The victim, who suffered a black eye and bruising, gave a heartbreaking court statement, saying she thought she was going to die, experienced flashbacks, and attempted suicide three times due to the trauma.
Clarke pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.
He has 19 previous convictions, including five offences against the person, one of which involved a suspended sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court sentenced Clarke to two years and ten months in prison and imposed a 10-year restraining order.
The judge acknowledged his difficult background and issues with alcoholism and homelessness.
