Matthew Keay jailed for 'horrific' attack in Winsford

Matthew Keay has been sentenced after admitting to a string of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and strangulation.

The 35-year-old will spend the next three years behind bars.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Felicity Gregory said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Keay, who is now behind bars for his horrific actions.

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim in this case went through and I hope this result will provide her with some closure following what must have been an incredibly traumatic ordeal.

“This sentence should also serve as a reminder that we are committed to tackling behaviour of this nature; it will not be tolerated.”

Matthew Keay (Image: Cheshire Police)

On September 13, the then 32-year-old victim had been at an address in Winsford with Keay when he began repeatedly punching her body, face and head.

The victim reported that he continued to attack her after she fell to the floor, covering her with a bred sheet and putting what she believed to be his hand over her mouth so she struggled to breathe.

She was eventually able to run from the property and a concerned member of the public notified Cheshire Police.

Officers attended and arrested Keay.

Following a search, he was found too have two small bags of white powder on him – later confirmed to be cocaine.

As such, he was also charged with possession of a class A drugs.

Keay, of Wyndham Road in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at Chester Crown Court on May 31 where he was sentenced to a total of three years.

He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim in any way.