New Bedford man convicted in assault on ex-girlfriend, despite victim's refusal to testify
FALL RIVER — A 28-year-old New Bedford man was convicted of violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend this week after a three-day jury trial in Fall River Superior Court despite the victim’s refusal to testify in the case, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
Matthew Torres was convicted of aggravated assault and battery with serious bodily injury and domestic assault and battery. He was sentenced by Judge Susan Sullivan to serve five years in state prison.
On Sept. 23, 2022, New Bedford Police were dispatched to a residence for a domestic disturbance after a third party called police to state that his friend had just been attacked by her ex-boyfriend.
Upon arrival at the home, police met with the female victim, who told police that the defendant was high on drugs when he attacked her.
She said he punched her in the face multiple times and locked her in a dog kennel for about 10 minutes.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured eye socket and a broken nose.
During the trial, the victim cut off her testimony and refused to answer any questions despite being granted immunity by the court.
After being given several opportunities to continue her testimony, Judge Sullivan eventually jailed her overnight for contempt of court.
Despite the victim’s refusal to testify, Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cahill was still able to go forward with the trial, utilizing the victim’s statements to police at the time of the incident as evidence, as well as testimony from the 911 caller, two police officers, an EMT and the emergency room doctor.
The defendant is a repeat offender with a nine-page criminal record, which includes at least three other jail or state prison sentences for crimes ranging from domestic violence to burglary.
“The defendant committed a brutal assault against the victim, which resulted in a broken nose and fractured facial bones. Unfortunately the victim would not cooperate with the prosecution despite the severe beating and the granting of immunity by the court. This is something I’ve rarely seen in my career. As the judge indicated, this undermined the court proceedings and is an affront to the administration of justice. It’s very sad. However, I commend the jury for using their common sense and concluding no one else could’ve inflicted these serious injuries. The defendant has a significant record and needs to be kept off the street to protect this victim and society,” Quinn said.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford man found guilty of violent assault; victim refused to testify
