Taxi horror: Man jailed for 29 years after brutal attempted murder on night out
Brutal attack after a night out
Matthew Stevens, 28, has been locked up for 29 years after being found guilty of attempted murder at Newcastle Crown Court. The chilling attack happened in the early hours of March 10, 2022, when Stevens met his victim during a night out.
Ignoring her desperate pleas to go home, Stevens forced the woman into a taxi and took her to Brunswick Village, Newcastle. CCTV showed the pair walking towards nearby fields on Drysdale Crescent around 3am – just before Stevens launched his savage assault.
Victim found battered and barely conscious
A dog walker discovered the naked victim lying on the grass, covered in severe facial swelling and with her clothes scattered around. Rushed to hospital, the woman received critical care but suffered such severe trauma she had no memory of the attack.
Evidence leads to arrest and conviction
Police launched a swift investigation, using telecom records, witness statements, and CCTV footage to build their case. When arrested, Stevens had bloodstains on his clothes and police found the bracelets belonging to the victim at his home.
He was charged and, after a six-day trial, convicted of attempted murder. Stevens was sentenced today to 29 years in prison with an additional three-year licence period.
Police praise victim’s bravery, warn community
“Stevens is a danger to the public and I am satisfied with the sentence,” said Detective Inspector Tam Fowler of Northumbria Police. “He took a lone woman somewhere she didn’t want to go, beat her nearly to death, then went home like nothing happened. There’s no place for this behaviour in our communities.”
“The victim has shown incredible strength facing her attacker in court. I hope the sentence helps her move on. Violence of any kind is unacceptable. Thanks to all officers, staff, and witnesses who helped bring this dangerous man to justice.”
