Domestic abuser jailed following Met investigation  

A man from south east London has been jailed as part of the Met’s commitment to keeping women and girls safe and targeting dangerous offenders.

Anthony Matthews, 43 (16.01.1981) of Lovelace Green, Eltham was sentenced on Friday, 9 August to 37 months at Woolwich Crown Court for domestic abuse offences. These included threatening to kill and grievous bodily harm after fracturing his ex-partner's arm. He was also issued a restraining order.

This sentencing demonstrates the Met’s focus on tackling crime that disproportionately affects women and girls to ensure they can all live safely in London.

Matthew’s ex-partner initially called the police following an incident on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. Matthews strangled her. Met officers attended after the victim managed to free herself from his grasp and call 999. They immediately began to gather evidence and captured photographs of the victims' injuries, including a fractured wrist after they were thrown into a wardrobe during the violent episode.

Specialist Met officers offered immediate support to the victim, advising her on domestic abuse charities for further psychological support and expert welfare and advice. Officers also worked with Lewisham Council to fit a security system and panic alarms and put in place a restraining order against Matthews to protect the victim-survivor.

The victim called the police on Sunday, 24 February 2024 after Matthews had breached his bail conditions, with his behaviour spiralling out of control.

Officers worked alongside the victim to quickly establish the extent of offending. They discovered Matthews called her over 3000 times in a 12-day period. Met analysers trawled through phone data, finding 30 voicemails with abusive and offensive language – some of which had reference to Matthews sitting outside of the victim’s property and watching her. This evidence was used as part of the defendant’s trial, leaving no doubt in the jury’s mind of his guilt.

Officers also closely supported the victim to give a powerful testimony through witness statements which recounted exact details of events.

Detective Constable Jack Mounstephen, who led the investigation, said: “I want to commend the victim who bravely told officers about what had been happening to her.

“This showed huge courage and I hope this case will demonstrate to any other victims of domestic abuse in Lewisham that we are there to listen and will take action to keep you safe.

“We are coming for those who intend to carry out violence against women and girls behind closed doors. We will do everything in our power to protect victims and target domestic abusers who prey on innocent members of our community.”

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there’s an emergency that’s’ on going or life endangering, call 999.

Other ways to report:

• Anonymously report online on behalf of yourself or another.
• Calling 101.
• In the safety of your local police station (if you require a translator, we can provide someone initially by phone and later in person).

For more information from charities on specialist support please Refuge's website, the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women.

Anthony Matthews, 43 (16.01.1981) was found guilty on Friday, 9 August 2024 at Woolwich Crown Court for the following offences:

• Grievous Bodily Harm upon a person;
• Strangulation;
• Threats to kill;
• Three counts of assault by beating;
• Two counts of criminal damage;
• Stalking through fear of violence;
• Stalking through malicious communications online.