Predator Jailed After Grooming 12-Year-Old Boy Online
Matthew Scott, 40, from Woodville Road, Hartshorne, has been locked up for nearly a decade after preying on a 12-year-old boy via social media.
Groomed Online, Met in Person
Using a fake name, Scott struck up a friendship with the youngster in May 2022. Over two weeks, he groomed the boy through online chats before arranging a meet-up at a shop.
Scott then drove the boy to his home, where the horrific offences took place.
Boy Shows Courage, Scott Busted
After spotting worrying messages on the boy’s phone, Scott dropped him off near home, begging him not to tell anyone, warning it’d “ruin his life.”
The boy, clearly upset, confided in his parents who immediately contacted police.
Scott was arrested in the early hours the next day, charged, and remanded in custody.
Long Prison Sentence and Lifetime Ban
On Monday 13th, Scott was sentenced to nine years and nine months behind bars plus a one-year extended licence. He’s also slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Natalie Fletcher said: “I want to thank the boy and his family for the great courage they have shown throughout the investigation and court process.”
“This was a horrific incident that has impacted them immensely. I hope this maximum sentence brings some solace and closure.”
“If anyone is suffering abuse or suspects a child is communicating with an adult online who is pretending to be someone else, please come forward.”
“We take these crimes very seriously and are committed to thorough investigations to bring offenders to justice.”
