A woman who found the courage to speak to police about an abusive relationship she was in has been praised for her bravery after her ex-partner was jailed for subjecting her to controlling and coercive behaviour.
The survivor was emotionally and physically abused over an eight-year period by 49-year-old Fred Matthew, who was regularly violent including when she was pregnant in 2017.
Nottingham Crown Court heard on one occasion in August last year, she was strangled by Matthew after she received a phone call from her sister.
The incident led to Matthew making threats to “chop up” the woman’s father before adding: “I’m going to pay someone to set fire to your sister’s house”.
At a sentencing hearing, a judge said he’d turned himself into a “monster” by abusing drugs and alcohol and refusing to take medication for his mental health problems.
Matthew’s behaviour was reportedly made worse by a cocaine habit and he became increasingly deluded and paranoid. He also monitored her movements by mobile tracking applications and CCTV cameras at their home.
The court heard that after she ended the relationship, Matthew bombarded her with text messages, phone calls and voice messages pleading for her to take him back.
When she told him to leave her alone, he made further threats.
Matthew was arrested in March 2025 after flying into Heathrow Airport having spent some time in Iraq.
He was interviewed and bailed with strict conditions not to contact the survivor while further enquiries into the matter were carried out.
However he continued to bombard her with messages and unwanted contact and so was arrested again and remanded into custody. Despite this, he continued to attempt to make contact with her from prison by making phone calls and leaving voicemails.
Matthew, of Chalfont Drive, Aspley, Nottingham, was sentenced on Thursday (15 January) having pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and intentional strangulation.
Jailing him for four years, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC told Matthew:
“For many years you have been leading a double life. On the one hand, a man who can work hard and behave responsibly. On the other, a monster – and a monster that you created yourself.
“No-one can criticise you for having mental health problems. But self-medicating with drugs and alcohol never works. Nor does forgetting or refusing to take the medication that you should.
“As a result of that, you have treated (the victim) in an absolutely disgraceful way, not just for days but for years. You used her as a punchbag and treated her with absolute contempt, almost making her a prisoner in her own home.
“You followed her, tried to restrict her contact with family members and bombarded her with telephone calls to prevent her having any sort of life at all.
“I am satisfied that you must have known what you were doing – if not all the time, certainly enough to know that you needed help, which you did not take.
“Your violence towards her over the years increased to the point when you strangled her. Not just for a second or two, but with both hands with force. She struggled to breathe and while you were strangling her you shook her by the neck.
“It is unsurprising in these circumstances that your psychiatrist and the probation service have concluded you are a continuing danger to her – I agree.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Rafferty KC also made Matthew the subject of an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from making contact with the victim.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable David Passmore, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection unit, said:
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the victim for the inspirational courage and determination she has shown throughout this case. This has taken a huge emotional toll on her over the last eight years and while preparing this case for court.
“I wish her the very best in the next stage of the process of rebuilding her life, and most of all in regaining her confidence. Matthew has at last been dealt with by the courts and I hope this sentencing can bring her comfort and peace.
“I also hope this case provides reassurances to others who are suffering, that although the steps to come forward can appear difficult, you will be listened to and safeguarded.
“Police are here to help you and are waiting for your call. If you or anyone else is in danger, please call 999 immediately, and we will come to your aid.
“Any current or historical abuse or violence can be reported at any time, and you can contact us for advice too if that’s what you need right now.
“There are many other ways to come forward, and if you feel more comfortable seeking support from another organisation such as a charity or a school, then please speak up as early as you can, to whoever you can.
“I hope this conviction will remind and reassure other survivors that they are not alone. I would urge anyone who feels they are suffering in difficult circumstances to reach out to someone – whether that is a friend who can report on your behalf, by speaking to police directly, or by reporting through any of our partner support agencies.”
The following organisations offer support to survivors of domestic abuse within Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police is part of the Make Yourself Heard Campaign, which aims to show people how they can report an emergency when it is not safe to speak.
Dialling 55 after calling 999 takes you through to a silent call service, whereby call handlers will give you specific directions on how to report your emergency.
Support is also available via the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – run by Refuge – on 0808 2000 247 and online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Police Silent Solution: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research-learning/Silent_solution_guide.pdf
For more information about Domestic Abuse please read this supporting survivors of domestic abuse page.
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Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children.
Newark Women’s Aid provides safe accommodation, with associated support services, for women with or without children, who are living with or have experienced any form of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. Tel: 01636 679687
The UK’s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.
It offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
Juno’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline offers support to women, teenage girls and children who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Tel: 0808 800 0340
Email: enquiries@junowomensaid.org.uk
Deaf and hearing-impaired women can access the Helpline by:
Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day
Email: helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk daily, 9am – 9pm
Equation: Domestic abuse support for men
Equation provide a free helpline for men which is available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
A 24/7 confidential answerphone service is also available.
Call: 0115 960 5556
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk
Nottinghamshire Alliance Against Violence
Make a stand against violence. ‘Like’ our Alliance Against Violence Facebook page
Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service website
NIDAS is a registered charity, formerly known as Mansfield and Ashfield Women’s Aid.
Its aim is to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
They work hard with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abus
Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
A free to download app providing support and information to those affected by Domestic Abuse, available in 5 languages, has a unique directory of support services and links of further resources including a journal which you can record incidents.
Safeguarding people- a simple shake or tap activates Hollie guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP)
BWP are here to help women living in the Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.We provide a confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses and drop in sessions, all aimed at empowering women and to help them survive domestic abuse.
Find out more about our services below.
Call us if you need our help on 01773 719 111 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org