MATTHEW LOVE FROM PONTLOTTYN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR MERTHYR TYDFIL ON HERITAGE TRAIL

In January 2019, a woman walking alone along the Trevethick Trail near Merthyr Tydfil was subjected to a terrifying sexual assault by a man identified as Matthew Love, a 27-year-old known resident of Pontlottyn. The incident took place on a popular industrial heritage trail, a location often frequented by walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, making the assault particularly shocking to the local community.

According to court proceedings, Love had been stalking the woman as she took photographs along the trail. The court heard that Love found the woman physically attractive but was too shy or hesitant to approach her directly. Instead, he chose to act from behind her while she was listening to music through her earphones. Without warning, Love suddenly lifted her skirt and attempted to pull down her underwear, an act that left the victim traumatized and deeply disturbed.

In her victim impact statement, the woman described the lasting effects of the assault. She stated, “It robbed me of the opportunity to walk carefree around my home town ever again. It has left me traumatised. Explaining what happened is like trying to speak in a new language – I can’t find the words.” Her words underscore the profound emotional and psychological toll the attack has taken on her.

Following the assault, Love fled the scene but was later identified through CCTV footage captured in Merthyr Tydfil town centre. Authorities quickly linked him to the crime, and he was subsequently arrested and brought to justice. It was revealed during the court proceedings that Love has a troubling criminal history, including previous convictions for assaulting his own father, animal cruelty—specifically the killing of his pet Staffordshire bull terrier—and assaulting his former girlfriend by biting her breast in a shop doorway.

Love, who resides in Pontlottyn, admitted to the charge of sexual assault. He was sentenced to a term of two years and eight months in prison. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, presiding over the case at Merthyr Crown Court, emphasized the severity of the incident. She described it as a “prolonged and sustained incident” that involved some degree of planning. The judge remarked, “It must have been a truly terrifying experience for the woman who froze in terror and was too upset to call police.”

Fortunately, members of the public nearby responded swiftly, assisting the victim and calling emergency services. Recognizing the danger posed by Love, the judge also indicated that he is considered a threat to the community. As part of the sentencing, Love is expected to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order later this week, aimed at preventing any future offenses of a similar nature. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety along popular outdoor trails and the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.