Fatal Love’s Leash: Man Sentenced to Life for Strangling Amputee Girlfriend in Alcohol-Fueled Tragedy

A man who strangled his amputee girlfriend to death using a dog lead has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Matthew Hyde, fueled by alcohol, lost his temper with wheelchair-bound Sara Bateman after she poked him with a walking stick. He threatened to “stop her breathing for good” before strangling her in her home, leaving her with a fractured neck.

Hyde, who was also Bateman’s registered carer and received benefits for caregiving, fled the crime scene after the brutal murder, leaving his victim on a blood-stained carpet. Bateman’s lifeless body was discovered by her son two days later.

In court, Hyde, aged 41, admitted to the murder and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 16 years. The couple, who had been together for about 18 months, had a tumultuous relationship marked by issues with alcohol and drugs. While there were previous arguments, there were no reports of physical violence until the tragic incident.

Bateman’s leg had been amputated eight years prior, and she relied on a wheelchair due to complications from cellulitis. The couple’s relationship had become increasingly strained, with Bateman expressing concerns to her children about Hyde’s intentions to take money from her and destructive behavior, told Birmingham Mail.

On the day of her death, Bateman exhibited erratic behavior during an appointment, appearing intoxicated and expressing a desire to score drugs. Hyde was captured on CCTV withdrawing money from her account after the murder, which he claimed was no longer needed by the deceased.

The discovery of Bateman’s body, with a dog lead around her neck, prompted police involvement. Hyde confessed to the crime, stating that he lost his temper after being provoked by Bateman, who had called him worthless. Despite expressing remorse, Hyde was condemned for his “mean and callous” actions, facing a life sentence for the murder of someone who looked to him for care and protection.