Man locked up for trying to suffocate woman after Nottingham night out
Matthew Ward will spend 22 months in a young offenders' institution
A man who chased a woman and tried to suffocate her after a night out in Nottingham has been locked up.
Matthew Ward followed his victim as she walked alone up Lenton Road, close to the entrance of Nottingham Castle.
The 20-year-old from Sheffield then chased the victim up the hill before striking her on the head.
Ward then pinned her to the ground and tried to suffocate her. The victim sustained multiple bruises during the attack on the 13th February 2025 around 1.15am.
The woman managed to get free and was later helped by a passing motorist.
Ward of Wilfred Drive in Sheffield pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was sentenced to 22 months in a young offenders' institution on Wednesday (28th May).
Detective Sergeant Andrew Pym, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“I’d like to firstly praise the bravery of the victim in finding the strength to immediately report what happened to her to the police.
“The speed which she did this meant our officers were able to take immediate action and track down Matthew Ward before he could hurt anyone else.
“By complete way of contrast, her attacker’s despicable actions were that of a coward, with Ward running after and hitting her from behind as she was walking home alone.
“He then pinned her down in the street and tried to suffocate her for several seconds, before she managed to fight him off and raised the alarm.
“I can only imagine how scary this must’ve been for the victim.
“Ward elected to inflict this experience on her and as such can have no complaints whatsoever for the spell he will now have to spend behind bars."