MATTHEW BUCKTON – REDCAR, MIDDLESBROUGH

He has shown a deeply physically and mentally abusive pattern—behaviours rooted in coercive control, manipulation, and intimidation. His partner was subjected to repeated domestic violence, including physical assaults and strangulation, alongside persistent harassment. She described being beaten so severely she was left black and blue, and later on, he strangled her while making threats like “I’m going to kill you.” There is a documented history of domestic abuse offences and harassment.

Given this pattern of controlling, violent behaviour, Clare’s Law (also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, DVDS) could be very relevant.

Information on Clare’s law and how to do it –

What Is Clare’s Law (DVDS) — and Why It Matters Here
• Purpose: Clare’s Law gives people the right to ask the police whether their partner (or a friend’s partner) has a history of violence or abuse. 

• Two Rights:

• Right to Ask: Someone who is concerned can apply to find out whether their current or ex-partner has a record of abusive or violent behaviour. 

• Right to Know: The police can proactively disclose information if they believe someone is at risk, without the person having asked. 
• Information Disclosed: The police may share past convictions, intelligence, or patterns of behaviour like coercive control, harassment, or violence—if they believe it could help protect someone from harm. 

• How to Apply:

• You can go to your local police station or apply online. 

• A third party (friend, family member, support worker) can also apply on behalf of someone who might be at risk. 

• Safeguards:

• Applications are reviewed carefully by the police, often with input from multi-agency panels, to decide if a disclosure is “necessary, proportionate, and lawful.” 
• If information is disclosed, the person receiving it may be asked to sign an undertaking to keep the details confidential. 
• Recent Updates: Police forces are under guidance to speed up their responses. As of May 2022, the target window for making disclosures has been reduced, meaning people may get this potentially life-saving information more quickly. 

• Why It’s Important Here: Given the history of physical violence, threats, strangulation, and harassment, using Clare’s Law could give a current or potential partner vital information that could help them make safer decisions.