Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 26th March 2025, at 07:20hrs
A Lancing man who terrorized a woman with death threats and subjected her to years of horrific abuse has been jailed.
Luke Maddran, 38, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and two months in prison after pleading guilty to a catalogue of serious offences.
The case, which unfolded with alarming speed, began on September 17, 2024, when a woman in her 30s reported to police that Maddran had threatened to kill her and her children.
This chilling threat unveiled a pattern of abuse spanning five years, including violent assaults and repeated threats to murder her and her family, as well as to kidnap her son.
Adding to the severity of the situation, Maddran also made death threats against his own family members, who expressed genuine fear for their lives.
The victim and her family were immediately placed in protective custody as authorities launched an urgent manhunt for Maddran.
He was apprehended the same day and charged with two counts of intentional strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour, causing actual bodily harm, and making threatening communications.
Maddran was subsequently remanded in custody.
At Hove Trial Centre on February 20, he admitted to all charges. On Monday, February 24, he was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.
In addition, he was issued a restraining order barring him from contacting any of the victims or their children and prohibited from entering West Sussex for 14 years.
Detective Inspector Matt Phelps emphasized the gravity of Maddran’s actions, stating,
“Luke Maddran is an extremely dangerous individual, who made vile threats that he has repeatedly proven he is capable of fulfilling.
He subjected the woman in this investigation to years of violent and psychological torment, before causing his own family to fear for their lives.”
He commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward, adding,
“I would like to thank all the victims for the courage they have shown in reporting Maddran and supporting the investigation despite the trauma they suffered at his hands.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, please report it to the police. We will do all we can to get you to safety and hold your abuser to account.”
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