A violent offender who had recently been released from prison on licence has been caged for life after brutally murdering a vulnerable woman in her own Swansea home using a frying pan, scissors and knife. Matthew Battenbough, 34, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 20 years and 10 months behind bars for the savage killing of animal lover Leanne Williams.
The 47-year-old victim was discovered dead in her flat on Gomer Road, Townhill, on 27 February after Battenbough attempted to conceal her body beneath a pile of towels. Swansea Crown Court heard the attack was of “exceptional ferocity” and involved multiple weapons in what Judge Paul Thomas KC described as a “prolonged, savage and merciless” assault.
Battenbough, who has never provided any explanation for the murder, had been invited into Ms Williams’ home before subjecting her to the horrifying attack. The court was told he had been released from prison on licence following a conviction for assaulting an emergency worker at the time of the killing.
Police found Ms Williams’ body after she was reported missing, with a post-mortem examination revealing she had suffered extensive injuries including blunt and sharp force injuries to her face and neck. Officers discovered her with her clothing cut and torn, and her body exposed in a degrading manner that the judge said was taken into account during sentencing.
The weapons used in the murder, including a knife, scissors and frying pan, were found near her body, stained with her blood and carrying traces of Battenbough’s DNA. Forensic analysis showed evidence of sexual intercourse between Battenbough and Ms Williams, though the court heard it was impossible to determine whether this was consensual or whether it occurred before, during or after the murder.
Judge Paul Thomas KC told Battenbough: “You were invited to Leanne Williams’ flat, while you were there you subjected her to a prolonged, savage and merciless attack. You carried on with your life over the next few days as though nothing had happened.”
The judge said he had considered the “pitiless ferocity” of the attack, the fact it occurred in Ms Williams’ own home, the “unimaginable terror” she would have experienced in her final moments, and the degrading state in which Battenbough left her body when determining the sentence.
Ms Williams’ devastated mother told the court she had become a recluse since her daughter’s death, saying: “Leanne was my only child and I am an only child. We only really had each other, since her death I have become a recluse.”
She added: “She was beautiful, she was strong and kind. I trust we will be together some day.”
The court heard Battenbough had an extensive criminal history including previous convictions for burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving, battery and assaulting an emergency worker. Ms Williams’ family expressed their deep concern about Battenbough’s release from prison prior to the attack and what they described as an apparent lack of supervision despite his violent past.
The judge noted that Ms Williams was “particularly vulnerable” as she suffered from drug and alcohol addiction, making her an especially tragic victim of Battenbough’s violence. Despite this vulnerability, her family remembered her as a woman with dreams and aspirations who wanted to help others.
In a statement released after sentencing, the family said: “Leanne was beautiful, strong, and kind. She loved nature and animals and had a special connection to horses. She aspired to help others by giving them the opportunity to access specially-trained horses and ponies who were sensitive to mental health and other issues. She will be missed dearly.”
The family thanked South Wales Police for their support and the diligence of the investigation team during what they described as an incredibly difficult time.
Detective Inspector David Butt, who led the investigation, said the case had shocked the tight-knit Townhill community. “The news of Leanne’s death was devastating to her family and to the wider communities of Townhill and Swansea,” he said.
“Matthew Battenbough’s actions took Leanne’s life, tore apart the lives of her family and also caused immense distress to his own family. We hope that this sentence offers some comfort to Leanne’s family and friends.”
He praised the Townhill community for their assistance during the investigation, adding: “I would like to thank the community of Townhill for the way that they assisted and supported the investigation during what was a very sad and difficult time.”
The murder investigation began after police were called to the Gomer Road address at 2pm on Thursday, 27 February. Officers had been attempting to piece together Ms Williams’ last known movements from 6pm on Monday, 24 February, until her body was discovered three days later.
Initially, two men were arrested as part of the investigation. However, no further action was taken against a 41-year-old man who was subsequently released from custody, with Battenbough charged as the sole perpetrator.
Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea had described the impact on the local area at the time, saying: “This tragic news has come as shock to the local community and of course is devastating for her family who we are supporting.”
Battenbough, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to murder at a hearing on 18 August, sparing the family the ordeal of a trial. However, his refusal to provide any explanation for his actions has left many questions unanswered about what drove him to commit such a brutal attack.
The case has raised serious questions about the supervision of violent offenders released on licence, particularly given Battenbough’s history of violence and his recent conviction for assaulting an emergency worker. The family’s concerns about the apparent lack of monitoring highlight ongoing debates about public protection and the management of high-risk offenders in the community.
Ms Williams’ murder represents a tragic loss of a woman who, despite her personal struggles with addiction, maintained dreams of helping others through animal therapy. Her special connection with horses and her vision of using them to support people with mental health issues showed a compassionate nature that makes her violent death all the more senseless.
The minimum term of 20 years and 10 months means Battenbough will be in his mid-50s before he can even be considered for parole. Even then, he will only be released if the Parole Board determines he no longer poses a risk to the public, and he will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
The sentencing brings to a close a harrowing chapter for the Townhill community and Ms Williams’ family, though the pain of their loss will endure. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of protecting society’s most vulnerable members.
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