James Ian Matthews

A Shropshire couple today described their horror after a man wielding a scaffolding pole broke through their living room window and attacked them in their own home.

Colin and Sally Lamb tried to flee when James Ian Matthews, 26, broke into their house looking for their daughter.

Attack victim Colin Lamb

But Matthews caught both of them – breaking Mr Lamb’s nose and grabbing his wife by the throat.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard Matthews had attacked the Lambs on September 22 last year while looking for Sarah Blunt who had ended her relationship with him in 2008.

The Lambs today claimed they had not been given justice after Matthews was allowed to walk free from court.

Matthews, of Charlton Rise, Ludlow, previously admitted having an offensive weapon, namely a scaffolding pole, in Livesey Road, Ludlow, damaging property, assaulting Colin
Lamb and causing him actual bodily harm and common assault on Sally Lamb.

He was sentenced to 12 months in jail for the assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three months on each of the other offences, to run concurrently.

The sentence was suspended for two years and Matthews was ordered to undergo alcohol treatment. He was also prohibited from having contact with the Lambs and Sarah Blunt or entering Livesey Road.

Mr Andrew Barkley, prosecuting, said on the night of the incident the family heard loud bangs at the front door. He added: “Sarah Blunt immediately shouted downstairs to phone the police before they heard the smashing sound of glass.”

The court was told Matthews attacked Mr Lamb, who was on the phone to the police, punching him in the head and threatening to kill him. Mr Lamb tried to escape, was then grabbed again and whilst holding on to his neck Matthews forced Mr Lamb into the bonnet of his car, breaking his nose.

Mrs Lamb tried to escape through the garden but Matthews caught her by the throat.

The couple say they will press for a change to the legal system. Mr Lamb, 60, said today: “We don’t believe that was justice. There was no provision or protection given by that judgment.”

Mr Julian Harris, for Matthews, said he had now cut out drink and had been assessed by a psychologist for “genuine problems” and he apologised “unreservedly” for his appalling behaviour.

By Sophie Bignall