Drunken thug who held lover prisoner is jailed

The lover of drunken bully Matthew Henderson was punched, bitten, kicked, strangled and held prisoner in her Ashford home.

Terrified mum Louise Carter had to flee the savage attack by climbing out of a window and seeking refuge with friends but a court has heard that amazingly she has forgiven him.

Judge Simon James told the 28 year old thug: “It’s remarkable ... and also sad that your victim is willing to forgive you!”

Canterbury Crown Court heard how Ms Carter had refused to help the police with their investigation and had visited the him in prison and she snubbed the opportunity to get a court order ordering Henderson, of Malborough Way, Kennington to stay away.

Despite that, Judge James jailed Henderson for two-and-a-half years after he had admitted assault and causing criminal damage.

He told him: “It is clear to me that you are, at least under the influence of drink or drugs, a violent bully who seems unable to control himself.

“This most recent attack left the mother of your children covered in multiple and serious bruising. I consider the sheer number of separate [bruising] sites amounts to serious injury.”

The court heard how, in December, after drinking Henderson attacked Ms Carter who wanted to go out to meet friends.

The judge was told that there had been a long history of trouble between the couple, made worse by his drinking and drug-taking.

In December she said she had planned to visit pals but Henderson objected to her wearing lipstick and prevented her from leaving.

Henderson dragged her by her hair into the hallway, punched and kicked her before grabbing her by the throat and throwing her onto a bed.

The court was told that during the attack Henderson “growled” as he sunk his teeth into her ear and put his hand over her mouth to prevent her screaming.

Ms Carter managed to escape by climbing out of a window and fled to a friend with Henderson “still shouting and yelling at her” the court heard.

Then the “petulant” thug smashed his lover’s property, the court heard.

The judge added: “During this sustained attack you effectively imprisoned your victim and strangled her. You are fortunate you are not facing more serious charges.

“In your uncontrolled intoxication it is clear you were intent on causing injuries which could have been even more severe.

“You kicked her; not only that, but also delivered punches and bites on a woman I consider vulnerable because of your controlling and manipulative behaviour.”

After being shown pictures of the injuries, Judge James told the thug “whether drunk or sober you should be ashamed after seeing the photographs.”