Brutal Attacker Jailed for Nearly 30 Years After Leaving Woman to Die in Field
Matthew Stevens, 28, has been locked up for 29 years after a savage attack that left a woman fighting for her life in Newcastle. The thug was convicted of attempted murder at Newcastle Crown Court following a six-day trial in December.
Horrific Night Out Ends in Violent Assault
On October 1, 2022, Stevens met his victim during a night out. Instead of taking her home, he lured her into a taxi and drove her to Brunswick Village, ignoring her desperate pleas. CCTV caught the pair walking along Drysdale Crescent around 3am, moments before Stevens launched the vicious assault.
The victim was left half-naked and unconscious in a nearby field, her clothes scattered across the grass. A passing dog walker discovered her and called for help. She was rushed to hospital with severe facial swelling and life-threatening injuries. The trauma was so intense she couldn’t recall what had happened.
Police Build Case with CCTV and Forensics
Northumbria Police launched a full investigation. Telecom data from Stevens’ phone, witness statements, and CCTV footage all pointed to his guilt. When arrested at his home on Drysdale Crescent, officers found blood-stained clothes and the victim’s bracelets in his possession.
Stevens was charged and later found guilty of attempted murder. Today he received a 29-year prison sentence, plus three years extended licence.
Detective Hits Out at “Despicable” Attack
“Stevens is a danger to the victim and wider society,” said Detective Inspector Tam Fowler. “He took a lone woman to a place she didn’t want to go, beat her within an inch of her life, then went home to sleep like nothing happened. There is no place in our communities for this abhorrent behaviour.”
“The victim has shown incredible strength facing her attacker in court. I hope this sentence offers her some closure and she can start to move on knowing justice has been done.”
“This type of violence is never excusable. I thank all officers, staff, and witnesses who helped ensure a violent man can no longer harm anyone else.”
