A 40-year-old father of four from Evesham has been sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment at Worcester Crown Court after pleading guilty to child cruelty, controlling behaviour, and actual bodily harm.
Matthew Griffiths, of Evesham, Worcestershire, appeared for sentence on 8 October 2026 following an inquiry into domestic abuse and cruelty carried out across a three-year period between 2020 and 2023.
The court was told that Griffiths engaged in a calculated pattern of coercive control, physical violence, and sexual bullying against an adult victim. Young children present within the home were severely impacted by his conduct, with children either subjected directly to physical assaults or forced to witness his attacks against others.
Griffiths initially entered not guilty pleas before reversing his position prior to trial, admitting seven offences on the indictment. Sentencing was briefly postponed after Griffiths failed to attend an appointment required for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Presiding Judge Andrew Lockhart warned him at the postponement hearing that the delay gave him no reason for comfort and that a substantial custodial sentence remained the only appropriate outcome.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all child victims and complainants connected to criminal proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Griffiths pleaded guilty to:
- Four counts of cruelty to a child under 16
- Two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour
- One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
Passing sentence on 8 October 2026, Judge Andrew Lockhart handed Griffiths an immediate custodial term of 40 months’ imprisonment.
Alongside the custodial sentence, the court ordered:
- A restraining order prohibiting direct or indirect contact with all victims
- Formal post-custody licence supervision conditions upon release from prison
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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