Man jailed for assaulting his 88-year-old grandmother

Matthew Jonathan, 37, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment after attacked his grandmother at her home in Tonyrefail in September last year. He is also subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting his grandmother indefinitely.

Jonathan attacked his 88-year-old grandmother after headbutting her and punching her repeatedly in the ribs when she told him to stop drinking alcohol. He later told police his grandmother was a “liar” and claimed she had caused the injuries after falling over.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday 7 February.

Jonathan denied the assault, calling her “a liar and manipulative”. The defendant later pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The victim told police the assault had a “significant impact” on her, and she was unable to sleep for fear of her grandson returning to her home.

Officer in Charge PC Tom Warren commented, “Jonathan is a violent and manipulative man. It is thanks to a thorough investigation supported by key evidence that led Jonathan with no other option but to plead guilty.”

“In the lead up to court he had been accusing his grandmother of lying, meaning she would’ve had the stress and burden of potentially testifying in court against her grandson. Eventually his guilty plea avoided this. We welcome the sentence and hope this provides solace to the victim.”