“They thought I was brain dead” – Sheffield student scarred for life after violent man attacked two women just hours apart
A Sheffield man attacked two women during a night out, with one victim suffering severe facial and bodily injuries that required hospitalisation and left her with permanent scarring. A Good Samaritan intervened during the assault, preventing potentially worse harm.
Matthew Ward had been released from prison just hours before committing the attacks, having previously served time for a similar violent assault. He was arrested the same day and subsequently pleaded guilty to assault charges, receiving a 30-month prison sentence at Sheffield Crown Court.
- Man attacked two women in Sheffield within hours of each other in April 2026, with one victim left severely injured and permanently scarred
- Attacker had been released from prison just hours before the assaults after serving time for a previous similar violent attack
- Sentenced to 30 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault charges