Powys domestic abuser is spared immediate prison sentence

Jamie Michael Matthews, 29, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, September 5, where he was handed a suspended 21-month prison sentence for assaulting his ex-partner in May.

The court heard Matthews, of Trefeglwys Road, Llanidloes, and his victim had been together for 13 years before the incident, which took place at their home in Llandrindod Wells on May 5.

Matthews initially denied charges of intentional strangulation and assault, but changed his pleas to both offences on the morning of his trial at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court in August.

Paulinus Barnes, prosecuting, said: “The defendant had been in a relationship with (the victim) for 13 years.

“But, she reported him 12 months ago for assault and had told him on more than one occasion it was over.

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“He struggled to come to terms with that and she says he became possessive.

“On May 5 he had gone to play golf at a local course. She wasn’t feeling well and contacted him; she wanted him to come home to help look after the children, aged one and three.

“He did come home after about an hour and he was angry. He came over to her on the sofa and put his hands round her neck.

“As she went to leave he grabbed her by the wrists. She ran to a neighbours but he followed her and picked her up and took her back inside.

“He repeatedly communicated with her the next day apologising for his actions.”

Mr Barnes read out a victim impact statement, which read: “I was terrified and felt helpless.

“I cannot forgive him”.

Mr Barnes said Matthews had no previous convictions, but did have a caution for assault in 2022.

Rosemary Proctor, defending Matthews, said her client had acquired a temper in recent years, since becoming a father.

“He wasn’t emotionally equipped for fatherhood, but he needs to get equipped because he is a father," she said.

Judge Nicola Saffman told Matthews: “Your references speak of a different man to the violent, domestic abuser shown in this case.”

She suspended the 21 month prison sentence for two years and ordered him to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

A three-year restraining order was imposed. 

He was told to pay £340 costs and a £187 surcharge.