Pervert Faces Nearly 10 Years for Preying on 12-Year-Old Boy Online
Matthew Scott, 40, from Woodville Road, Hartshorne, used a fake name to befriend a 12-year-old boy on social media back in May 2022.
Over two weeks, Scott chatted with the boy and set up a meeting at a shop. He then drove the youngster to his home, where the horrific offences occurred.
Betrayal and a Plea to Stay Silent
After seeing a worrying message on the boy’s phone, Scott dropped him off near home. He begged the child not to tell anyone, warning it would “ruin his life.”
The boy went home visibly upset and, with his parents, reported the abuse to police straight away.
Swift Arrest and Harsh Sentence
Police arrested Scott early the next day. He was charged, remanded in custody, and on Monday 13 February was handed a whopping nine years and nine months behind bars. Plus, he faces a further one-year extended licence and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Police Praise Victim’s Courage and Urge Others to Speak Out
“I want to thank the boy and his family for the great courage they have shown throughout the investigation and the court process,” said Detective Constable Natalie Fletcher from Derbyshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“This was a horrific incident that has impacted the boy and his family immensely. I hope this maximum sentence brings them some solace and closure.”
DC Fletcher added: “If you or someone you know has suffered sexual abuse, or if you suspect a child is communicating online with an adult posing as someone else, please come forward. We take these crimes extremely seriously and will pursue offenders to the full extent of the law.”
