JOHN MATTHEWS – EXETER/TORQUAY/PAIGNTON/LONDON October 2024 – Exeter Man Jailed…

❌JOHN MATTHEWS – EXETER/TORQUAY/PAIGNTON/LONDON❌

October 2024 – Exeter Man Jailed After Terrifying Campaign of Abuse and Threats Toward Ex-Partner

A man from Exeter has been jailed after subjecting his former partner to a frightening campaign of harassment, violence, and intimidation that left her living in constant fear.

Offender: John Matthews, 39

Residence: Gould Road, Exeter
Sentence: 14 months imprisonment
Court: Exeter Crown Court
Date of Sentencing: October 2024

John Matthews appeared before Exeter Crown Court where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison after admitting to a series of offences, including harassment with fear of violence and battery.

The court heard how, between August and September 2024, Matthews relentlessly harassed his ex-partner. He bombarded her with phone calls and messages — some from withheld numbers — switching between declarations of love and threats of violence. In several messages, Matthews warned her she would never be free of him and threatened to “shank” (stab) any future partner she might have.

Violent Assault and Harassment

In one incident, Matthews headbutted the woman during a confrontation in the foyer of a hotel in Paignton. She suffered a significant bump to her forehead.

The victim later told police and the court she was left in a state of fear and anxiety, saying Matthews had previously let himself into her flat after taking her keys. She said she was constantly worried he would show up again uninvited.

In her victim impact statement, she said she had “little or no head space” left due to the overwhelming stress caused by his behaviour. She added that she feared Matthews was capable of killing her.

Despite being placed on police bail with strict conditions not to contact the woman, Matthews ignored the order and continued to harass her.

Previous Offences and Additional Charges

The court heard that this was not the first time Matthews had been convicted for similar behaviour. He has two prior convictions for harassment involving former partners. Judge David Evans noted that efforts to rehabilitate Matthews in the past had failed and highlighted his ongoing problems with controlling anger in relationships.

Matthews also admitted to several additional charges:
• Assaulting an emergency worker while being held at Torquay police station
• Theft of an Amazon parcel from a doorstep in Teignmouth
• Two counts of common assault on tradesmen
• Criminal damage to a vehicle

Mitigation and Sentence

In mitigation, the court was told that Matthews has ADHD and may also suffer from PTSD. It was said that alcohol often exacerbates his behaviour, although he is said to have a strong work ethic and had been doing well in custody ahead of sentencing.

However, Judge Evans concluded that the seriousness and repeated nature of the offences demanded an immediate custodial sentence.

“She felt you were capable of killing her,” said Judge Evans.

In addition to the 14-month prison sentence, Matthews was made subject to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with his former partner.

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