MATTHEW PITHERS FROM CANTERBURY THREATENS TO BEHEAD GIRLFRIEND WITH SAMURAI SWORD IN HORRIFIC DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in Canterbury, a man named Matthew Pithers subjected his partner to a terrifying ordeal that included both physical violence and life-threatening threats. The incident, which took place at their residence on Reed Avenue, culminated in Pithers wielding a samurai sword and making explicit threats to kill his girlfriend, leaving her in a state of genuine fear and trauma.

According to court reports, Pithers, aged 36, initially engaged in violent behavior by pushing his partner onto a settee, grabbing her by the throat, and then violently striking her face and legs with a baseball bat. The assault was so severe that it caused visible injuries, and the woman was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse over a period of time. Prosecutor Mary Jacobson detailed that after the attack, Pithers casually returned the bat to its place and acted as if nothing had happened, demonstrating a disturbing lack of remorse.

It was revealed that prior to this August assault, the woman had endured ongoing abuse, though no formal charges had been filed at that time. The situation escalated in September when Pithers, out shopping, sent a threatening message to his partner, accusing her of not saying goodbye and warning her that he would burn her belongings if she did not return home. Upon her return, Pithers was found hiding a samurai sword beneath a duvet on the sofa. He then pointed the weapon at her and declared that he would chop her head off, intensifying her terror.

Following this, Pithers placed the sword between the settee and the wall, acting as if nothing had occurred. The situation worsened when he later chased her into the bathroom with the sword, grabbing her by the throat and pressing the blade to her neck. He shouted threats of killing her and burying her in the garden, then proceeded to close the windows to prevent neighbors from hearing her screams and crying. To further control the situation, he removed the SIM card from her phone, cutting off her ability to contact others.

After his arrest on September 6, Pithers attempted to dismiss the allegations, claiming they were fabricated and that his partner was jealous because he had found a new partner. It was also noted that Pithers has a criminal record with six convictions for nine offenses, including two for violence. During the court proceedings, his barrister expressed regret for the attacks, but the judge, Weekes, emphasized the bravery of the victim in coming forward. The judge acknowledged the severity of the threats, stating, “You pointed the sword at her and you told her that you intended to chop her head off and other threats. It is of little surprise she was terrified.”

Ultimately, Pithers was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for causing actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and making threats to kill. The court commended the victim for her courage in facing her abuser and bringing the case to justice, highlighting the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence in Canterbury.