Jailed abuser has 'no one to blame but himself'

Matthew Dunn, 54, has been jailed for two years and nine months

A man who committed a string of offences against two former partners has been jailed for two years and nine months.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Matthew Dunn, 54, formerly of The Meadows, Skegness, repeatedly rang his ex-girlfriend three weeks after he received a suspended jail sentence for threatening her with a kitchen knife.

The court also heard Dunn let himself into another woman's home without permission and damaged her property after she ended their relationship.

He admitted breaching a suspended sentence and restraining order, and pleaded guilty to three charges of common assault, harassment and criminal damage.

On 2 January, Dunn received an 18-month suspended jail term after he threatened his ex-girlfriend with a kitchen knife during a row at her home in July 2024, the court heard.

He was also given a restraining order after making a further threat to come back that night to damage her car, garden and windows.

But on 24 January, Dunn started ringing the woman. She recorded the calls and was left fearful of going out, the court was told.

Dunn began seeing another woman but she ended their relationship in June.

On 11 July that woman returned home to find Dunn had let himself in without her permission. Electrical cables had been cut, vodka was on the carpet and moisturiser poured in her handbag.

Not cut out for relationships

Dunn returned two days later leaving the woman "feeling intimidated by him." He was arrested on 15 July and was remanded into custody.

The court heard Dunn had 31 previous convictions for 47 offences.

Neil Sands, mitigating, said custody was inevitable and told the court Dunn accepted he was not cut out for relationships.

Mr Sands explained that Dunn's brother was also extremely unwell.

Passing sentence, Judge James House KC said Dunn "had no one to blame but himself" for being jailed.

"He would have known from his past history that if he did not comply with court orders there would be consequences," he said.

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