A 37-year-old man from Farnborough has been jailed for a total of two years and six months after he admitted offences including controlling or coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a 38-year-old woman.

Matthew Roberts of McNaughton Close, Farnborough, admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, intentional strangulation, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the woman when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 23 February. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at the same court on Tuesday 5 May.

Between Wednesday 30 November 2022 and Friday 17 November 2023 the woman was subjected to regular interrogations, assaults, physical, mental, and verbal abuse. Roberts was arrested by officers on Friday 17 November 2023 and a thorough investigation resulted in charges for CCB, ABH, and intentional strangulation.

DC Luke Fairchild, the officer in case, said: “I am pleased with this sentence and hope it sets a precedent that domestic abuse and violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in our community.

“Let this serve as a warning that we will work tirelessly to put anyone who inflicts such harm before the courts.

“I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim, from her first report and all the way through the criminal justice process, despite the abuse suffered at Roberts’ hands.

“I hope this result encourages anyone else who has experienced domestic abuse to seek help. Whether you are ready to speak with police or not, there is support out there.

“We will believe you, and you will be listened to.”

For more information about how you can seek independent support, and the ways in which you can report domestic abuse, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

You can also report abuse to police by calling 101. In the event of an emergency or if someone is in danger, dial 999.