A Bristol court has handed down an eight-year jail sentence to Matthew McKenzie for sexually abusing a young girl.
Victim Breaks Her Silence
The brave eight-year-old victim spoke out, revealing the lasting scars McKenzie left on her life. Her statement, read by the judge before sentencing, laid bare the nightmare she continues to live through.
“I am feeling angry, sad and scared, and I have been having nightmares about what happened to me. Every time I close my eyes all I see is him and it has affected my school work. I can’t trust anyone and have been feeling worthless and empty. When I have these nightmares, they are about everything Matthew did to me. I wake up crying in an absolute panic, fearing that he is coming for me.”
Details of the Crime
McKenzie, 47, from Totterdown, was found guilty of multiple charges of sexual touching and engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 13 back in June 2023. The offences happened after he stayed overnight at a Bristol address where the abuse occurred. The victim reported the ordeal immediately to her mother, leading to McKenzie’s swift arrest.
Family Reacts With Fury
The girl’s mother delivered a heart-wrenching statement:
“What Matthew did has affected my girl’s whole life. I feel absolutely sick about what Matthew has done. He has ruined my daughter’s life. He has taken her innocence and made her do something despicable for his own selfish pleasure, which is repulsive. He groomed his way into our lives, and I trusted him to be around my daughter — he betrayed that trust. Now he has been found guilty, this will prevent him hurting any other child.”
Sentencing and Restrictions
McKenzie will serve at least six years behind bars before parole consideration. He is also slapped with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Bristol police hope the hefty sentence will bring some justice to the victim and keep the community safer.
