Coventry man jailed for serious assault on ex-partner
Police have released a shocking image of the victim's injuries
A Coventry man has been jailed after punching a woman so hard, he fractured her jaw and left her blind in one eye.
The woman had been in a relationship with Aaron Matthews, of Mitchell Avenue, but after the relationship ended, he continued to visit, mainly for food, a shower and somewhere to stay.
During the early hours of 20 February last year, the 39-year-old assaulted the woman in an unprovoked attack. The next morning her eye was swollen and closed. She called police and was taken to hospital, where she was found to have fractures to her eye socket, jaw and sinus bones, resulting in the loss of sight in one eye.
The woman died last November from an unrelated incident, but her next of kin has agreed for the images of her injuries to be released to encourage others in abusive relationships to seek help before they come to serious harm.
Police Staff Investigating Officer David Flatley from West Midlands Police said: “Unfortunately the victim in this case is no longer with us to see that we have sought justice for the attack on her, but we hope her story might encourage others in her position to seek help.
“Sometimes someone’s behaviour doesn’t feel quite right and may be a warning sign.
“Claire’s Law is a scheme which gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner or someone they know may pose a risk to them. This can be a good indication if you are at risk.”
Matthews was jailed for three years and nine months at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday (15 March) after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm following a two day trial.