Matthew Warren Bonham fronts Ipswich court for brutal and horrific domestic violence attacks

A young South East Queensland dad told a defenceless mother he would murder her during one of multiple brutal assaults in which she was kicked, punched and choked and which all required someone to intervene to bring to an end.

Magistrate Peter Saggers told the convicted woman-basher, Matthew Warren Bonham, his behaviour towards women was extremely concerning, brutal, and relentless.

A young Ipswich mum endured a series of brutal and shocking attacks which all involved strangulation, kicks and punches to the head, and being thrown to the ground.

The three horrific beatings occurred over a nine-month period in 2021.

Magistrate Peter Saggers told the convicted woman-basher, Matthew Warren Bonham, his behaviour was extremely concerning, brutal, and relentless.

“(Strangulation) is a precursor to murder, which you have done so on three occasions,” he said.

“If you have that level of violence towards women you may murder a woman. It is a possibility.”

The court heard during one of the attacks Bonham was heard making an ‘idle’ threat towards the woman.

“I will murder you,” the 22-year-old yelled.

Matthew Warren Bonham fronted Ipswich court and was jailed on November 12, 2021, after carrying out a series of concerning and horrific domestic violence attacks.

The court heard the pair were separated at the time of the last attack and a protection order was in place.

The woman was enjoying her birthday when an unannounced Bonham appeared with ‘important’ news he had to deliver at his home.

Bonham brought her to his house.

The woman tried to leave after Bonham became offensive, although as she walked out the door he attacked her from behind, wrapping his hands around her neck.

Her vision went black and blurred as she went in and out of consciousness.

Bonham began beating her and threw her to the ground.

“You’re coming with me,” he said.

A housemate came running outside and had to physically hit Bonham to get him off the woman.

Bonham was then arrested and remanded in custody until he was sentenced to prison on Friday, November 12.

During the other two attacks Bonham also didn’t stop until someone intervened.

Magistrate Saggers said it was highly concerning that Bonham wasn’t deterred by the company of others while carrying out his brutal attacks.

When the second attack occurred, the woman was rolled into a ball on the ground where she kicked after being repeatedly thrown, punched, and choked.

In vain a guest pleaded with Bonham to stop.

When police arrived they heard Bonham threaten to kill her and say, “tell police you attacked me first”.

During the violent outburst she was kicked in the head while on the ground and choked until her vision blackened.

Magistrate Peter Saggers told the convicted woman-basher, Matthew Warren Bonham, his behaviour towards a woman was extremely concerning, brutal, and relentless.

Days later police raided the home and charged Bonham with possessing marijuana, bongs, a grinder and scales.

Barrister Scott Neaves told the court Bonham frequently used weed, Valium and alcohol and agreed with Magistrate Saggers that it was surprising he wasn’t a meth user.

Mr Neaves said Bonham showed insight into his behaviour, showed a willingness to change, and did not present as a typical DV ‘thug’.

Magistrate Saggers told Bonham he was a violent man and needed to watch his substance use in hopes to remain in control of his ‘brutal’ behaviour.

Bonham was sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment, which will be suspended after 12 months for a period of four years.

Although, as Bonham spent time in custody, he will only serve 10 months of actual jail time.

Bonham also agreed to a two year probation term upon his release into the community, where he will be required to attend a behavioural program.
The courtroom was empty and devoid of support as he was sentenced.

Bonham pleaded guilty to three charges of strangulation DV, seven charges of common assault DV, contravening a DV order, possessing drugs, and possessing drug utensils.

Bonham was recently convicted for attacking men on two different occasions – his neighbour and a mate’s dad.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, do not hesitate to make contact with a professional or contact one or more of the following:

DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811

DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Domestic Violence Action Centre: 4642 1354

Sexual Assault Support Service (Toowoomba): 4616 6950

Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service: 1800 88 77 00