November 2026

Domestic abuser released from prison… again

Matthew Watson’s record of violence against women has left two partners injured and raises serious concerns about the danger he could pose in future relationships.

Watson, of Carlisle, has now been released from prison for a third time, again for domestic violence and harrassment of females

He was previously jailed for strangling a partner unconscious and shooting her with a BB gun, years after receiving a five-year sentence for attacking another former girlfriend with a cider bottle.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that Watson, then 35 and of Balfour Road, arrived at his partner’s home heavily intoxicated.

He became aggressive when she told him she did not want him to stay overnight.

He wrecked her living room, overturning furniture, before grabbing her around the neck and squeezing until she briefly lost consciousness.

When she came round, she went outside and was sick.

Watson continued the attack, repeatedly punching her in the head and force-feeding her pizza.

He then returned with a BB gun and fired at her from close range, hitting her in the face, head and hand as she tried to defend herself.

When police arrived, the woman was highly distressed and curled up behind a sofa. She had been left with bruises and a blood blister.

Watson admitted non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He was jailed for 18 months.

Judge Nicholas Barker referred to Watson’s earlier prison term and said his record showed a tendency towards significant violence. The judge described the attack on his partner as a terrible catalogue of domestic violence.

Back in 2010, Watson was jailed for five years after attacking a former girlfriend in a Carlisle nightclub. He hit her over the head three times with a cider bottle and attacked a bystander who tried to help her.

He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding.

Now in 2026, three prison sentences, and Watson is back in Carlisle and free.

Watson’s history shows the serious harm he has inflicted on women close to him. His release raises questions about the safeguards in place to protect future partners and others who may come into contact with him.