OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE STALKING CONVICTIONS SENTENCED TO PRISON
A stalker made a woman's life "a misery" with a campaign of unwanted and threatening calls, texts, and visits to her home, a court has heard.Matthew Samuel bombarded his victim with calls - up to 93 in one day - and threatened to turn up at her children's play centre and stab himself in front of everyone there.
The Swansea Crown Court heard Samuel has multiple convictions for stalking and harassing two former partners, including pouring petrol over an ex's driveway and setting it alight.
The court was told Samuel had previously faced 51 offences including threats to pour petrol through the letterbox of one ex-partner and threaten to kill her, and pouring petrol over a driveway.
Despite previous prison sentences, his behaviour persisted, leading to this latest conviction.
On this occasion, Samuel started throwing stones at the woman's bedroom window, making loud demands for her to speak to him, and sending threats via Facebook Messenger.
He was arrested after making repeated calls and threatening to kill her and himself, including stabbing himself on camera during a FaceTime call.
His threats included following her to the soft play centre and disturbing her children.
His behaviour was so disturbing that the judge described his actions as "more akin to a 13-year-old boy" than a 33-year-old man and imposed a sentence of 18 months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the rest on licence.
The judge acknowledged that several recent prison terms had not deterred him.
Samuel, of Vicarage Road, Morriston, had pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court noted his chaotic childhood and psychiatric issues but emphasized his repeated harassing behaviour.
He has 30 previous convictions for 51 offences, including threats and arson.
The court highlighted his persistent offending despite bail conditions and multiple arrests, including his denial of wrongdoing during police interviews.
The judge also noted that he was fortunate only to face one charge when more could have been justified, especially as some offences occurred while he was on bail.
Daniel Walters, prosecuting, stated that Samuel and the victim had known each other since childhood.
Samuel's threats and harassment escalated after his release, with him making dozens of calls, messages, and follow-up social media activity, including a threatening video call where he stabbed himself in the arm.
Samuel's behaviour included demanding money, threatening to spread rumours, and following her, despite bail conditions.
The court was told Samuel’s offending was ongoing, with the victim feeling unsafe and distressed.
Hannah George, representing Samuel, discussed his background, noting his struggles with conduct disorder and trauma from witnessing domestic violence.
She said he has reflected on his actions while on remand and acknowledged the harm caused.
The judge described Samuel’s conduct as immature and pathetic.
As a result, Samuel was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with the possibility of serving up to half before release on licence.
The judge expressed that Samuel was lucky only to face this sentence, given the severity of his offences and history.
