Jail for Swindon man who assaulted, abused and controlled his partner

A Swindon man who assaulted, abused and controlled his partner has been jailed for more than three years.

Matthew Reynolds, 28, of Bratton Close, Penhill, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on July 8, for sentencing.

He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

He was jailed for a total of three years and five months, which included the activation of a previous eight-week suspended sentence.

In April this year Reynolds took his victim to hospital due to her sustaining injuries caused during an assault, which included him kicking and stamping on her leg.

Hospital staff raised concerns about what had caused her injuries and alerted the police.

A few days later he visited her in Gloucestershire, where she was saying with a friend, and threatened her so she felt she had to return with him to Swindon.

Again, he assaulted her, including punching her to the face and putting his foot on her neck.

Reynolds was arrested, charged and remanded in custody ahead of today’s hearing.

Det Con Kerry Foster, from Wiltshire Police’s Public Protection Department, welcomed the sentence.

She said: “Reynolds is a dangerous offender, who not only physically assaulted his partner but also exhibited controlling and coercive behaviour during their relationship.

“She told us that from the very first few weeks of their relationship she wasn’t allowed to go to the shops by herself, wasn’t allowed to see her friends and that he would emotionally blackmail her by threatening suicide if she tried to leave.

“The statement she gave to us detailed two years of abuse and control, which left her with long-lasting physical injuries and mental trauma.

“I want to commend her for her bravery in cooperating with this investigation. We know how difficult it was for her to finally speak out and we hope that she feels safe enough to try to move on with her life now that she knows he is behind bars.”

Det Con Foster added: “We know how incredibly hard it is for victims of domestic abuse to get help, particularly if they are being emotionally or financially controlled by their partner.

“If you are reading this and recognise the abuse in this case as something you are also going through, please be reassured that there is support out there and that you don’t have to live in fear.”

Those with concerns about domestic abuse are encouraged to contact police on 101, via the Wiltshire police website or call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, people in Wiltshire (outside of Swindon) who want to come forward for support can contact Splitz on 01225 775776, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SWA) is available 24/7 for Swindon on 01793 610610 and out of hours for the rest of Wiltshire.

For out of hours there is also the Wiltshire Emergency Duty Service which is available on 0300 456 0100.

For general support the 24/7 national Domestic Abuse helpline is available 0808 2000 247.