Cop ‘punched pregnant ex to force miscarriage'



http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4508826/Cop-punched-pregnant-ex-to-force-miscarriage.html



Accused ... Matthew Cherry

Solent News






By JACK LOSH



Published: 2 hrs ago
























A COP repeatedly punched his pregnant ex-girlfriend in the stomach because he
did not want her to have his baby, a court has heard.


Matthew Cherry, 35, allegedly barged his way into Caroline Craft’s flat,
wearing a balaclava and hooded top, to carry out the attack and force a
miscarriage.


An angry and aggressive Cherry was desperate for six-month pregnant Caroline
to have an abortion, Winchester Crown Court heard.


The pair split up after she decided not to terminate the foetus.


Former Dorset Police officer Cherry, from Poole, denies attempting to cause
grievous bodily harm with intent and said he was not the attacker.


Matthew Jewell, prosecuting, said Caroline, 27, also a Dorset Police officer,
was in her ground-floor Bournemouth flat at around 10am on March 24 last
year when Cherry stormed the block.


Mr Jewell added: “Caroline Craft then heard a knock on the door of her flat.


“She opened the door which was then pushed violently from outside and she was
either pushed or punched to the floor.


“She was then attacked with multiple punches to her stomach and back, in a way
which targeted her unborn child."


The prosecution described how Caroline shouted for help but was kicked and a
gloved hand placed over her mouth.


He added: “She pointed out valuable items in case this was a robbery or
burglary but her attacker showed no interest in taking anything.


“She was dragged into the bathroom and forced to sit on the toilet. The male
said he would tie her up. She was absolutely terrified about what was
happening to her in her own home.”


The attack only stopped when an estate agent scheduled for an appointment rang
the doorbell and the assailant fled via a back door, the jury was told.


A “bloodied and bruised” Caroline was rushed to hospital but luckily she and
her unborn baby were not seriously harmed.


The trial continues.