Beast Jailed for Nearly 30 Years After Brutal Attack on Woman Left to Die in Field
Matthew Stevens, 28, has been locked up for 29 years after a horrific attack that left a woman fighting for her life in a Newcastle field.
Brutal Night Out Turns Deadly
Stevens met his victim during a night out on 1 October 2022. He lured her into a taxi, ignoring her desperate pleas to go home, and took her to Brunswick Village, Newcastle.
CCTV showed them walking along Drysdale Crescent towards nearby fields just before the savage assault struck at around 3am. Stevens brutally beat the woman, leaving her half-naked and unconscious on the grass.
Heroic Dog Walker Finds Victim Just in Time
A passing dog walker stumbled upon the victim, barely conscious and covered in swelling, with her clothes scattered around her. She was rushed to hospital for critical care but had no memory of the attack.
Evidence Leads to Conviction
- Police pieced together mobile phone data, CCTV footage, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Stevens was arrested at his home, where officers found blood-stained clothes and the victim’s bracelets.
- He was charged and found guilty of attempted murder after a six-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Today, Stevens was sentenced to 29 years in prison with an additional three years on extended licence.
Police Condemn Stevens’ Heinous Crime
“Stevens is a danger to our community,” said Detective Inspector Tam Fowler. “He took a lone woman to a field, beat her within an inch of her life, then went home as if nothing happened. There’s no place for this behaviour in society.”
“The victim has shown incredible strength facing her attacker in court. I hope this sentence helps her move forward knowing justice has been served,” he added.
“This appalling violence is unacceptable. Thanks to everyone who helped bring this dangerous man to justice.”
