Paedophile Groomed 12-Year-Old Online Before Luring Him Home
False Identity Used to Befriend Child
Matthew Scott, 40, from Woodville Road, Hartshorne, pretended to be someone else on social media to befriend a 12-year-old boy in May 2022. Using a fake name, Scott spent two weeks chatting with the child before setting up a face-to-face meeting at a local shop.
Disturbing Offences at Perp’s Home
After picking up the unsuspecting boy, Scott drove him back to his own house where the abuse occurred. When Scott spotted worrying messages on the boy’s phone, he returned him close to home but begged the youngster not to tell anyone, claiming it would “ruin his life.”
Police Step In After Family Report
The boy went home visibly upset. His parents quickly alerted police, leading to Scott’s arrest in the early hours of the next day. He was charged and remanded into custody.
Harsh Sentence for Child Abuser
On Monday 13 February, Scott was slammed with a lengthy jail term. He was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison, plus an additional one-year extended licence. He’s also been slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Praises Boy and Family’s Courage
“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 of Derbyshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“This was a horrific incident that has impacted the boy and his family immensely. I hope the maximum sentence brings them some solace and closure.”
Police Urge Victims to Speak Out
DC Fletcher added, “If you are suffering or have suffered sexual abuse, or suspect a child is talking online with an adult pretending to be someone else, please come forward. We take these cases very seriously.”
“Our specially trained officers conduct thorough investigations to bring offenders to justice and support victims and their families.”
