Man Jailed for Savage Attempted Murder After Luring Woman on Night Out
A brutal attacker has been locked up for 29 years after a horrifying assault that left his victim fighting for her life.
Terrifying Taxi Ride Ends in Violent Attack
Matthew Stevens, 28, met his victim on a night out on March 10, 2022. Instead of taking her home, he forced her into a taxi and drove her to Brunswick Village, Newcastle, ignoring her desperate pleas.
CCTV footage captured the pair walking along Drysdale Crescent towards nearby fields around 3am – moments before Stevens launched his savage attack.
Dog Walker Finds Victim Naked and Barely Conscious
In the early hours, a passing dog walker discovered the victim left naked in the grass, her face severely swollen and clothes scattered around.
She was rushed to hospital in critical condition but was so traumatised she could not recall what happened.
Evidence Leads to Conviction and Lengthy Sentence
Police used CCTV, witness statements, and telecom data from Stevens’ phone to build their case. When arrested, officers found Stevens wearing blood-stained clothes and recovered the victim’s bracelets from his home.
After a six-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Stevens was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 29 years behind bars with a three-year extended licence.
“Stevens is a danger to women and to wider society,” said Detective Inspector Tam Fowler. “He took a lone woman somewhere she clearly did not want to go, beat her within an inch of her life, then went home to sleep like nothing had happened. There is no place in our communities for this abhorrent behaviour.”
“I hope this sentence provides some closure to the victim, who has shown incredible strength throughout this ordeal. Violence is completely unacceptable, and thanks to all who helped ensure this dangerous man can no longer hurt anyone else.”
