Eltham man strangled ex-partner and called her 3,000 times in 12 days during campaign of abuse

A man strangled his ex-partner and bombarded her with thousands of calls during a vicious campaign of abuse. Anthony Matthews, of Lovelace Green in Eltham, was sentenced to 37 months in prison at Woolwich Crown Court for domestic abuse offences.

The 43-year-old's ex-partner initially called the police on September 6 last year after he strangled her. Police attended after the victim was able to escape his grasp.

They immediately began to gather evidence and captured photographs of the victims' injuries, including a fractured wrist after she were thrown into a wardrobe during the violent attack. A restraining order was then put in place against Matthews, while Lewisham Council installed a security system and panic alarms in her home.

READ MORE: The London area where street artists, pedicab riders and shop workers face constant fear of being stabbed

The victim called the police again on February 24 this year after Matthews resumed his abuse campaign. He called her 3,000 times over a 12-day period, and also left 30 voicemails with abusive and offensive language – some of which referred to Matthews sitting outside the victim’s home and watching her.

Matthews was found guilty of seven offences on Friday, August 9 at Woolwich Crown Court. They were 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 and stalking through malicious communications online.

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.

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

Our London Court & Crime newsletter brings you the latest major court updates and breaking news straight to your inbox. You can sign up HERE.