Sex Offender Allowed Kos Holiday Before Jail Sentence
Predator Caught and Sentenced
Matthew Thompson, 48, from Monk Bretton, Barnsley, admitted sexually abusing two young girls. Despite his horrific crimes, he was allowed to take a pre-booked holiday to Kos in October before starting his custodial sentence.
Harsh Jail Term and Lifelong Monitoring
Thompson, a long-distance lorry driver, pleaded guilty to 10 serious charges including repeated assaults on children under 13 and making indecent images. At Bradford Crown Court, Recorder James Baird handed down a hefty sentence of 15 years and 10 months in prison, plus one year on licence.
He was also slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender for life. Before jetting off, Thompson was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and report to police upon his return.
Shocking List of Crimes
- Repeated sexual assault and penetration of children under 13
- Taking and making dozens of indecent images of children, including moving images
- Possession of extreme pornographic images involving animal abuse
- Sexual activity with a child
Judge’s Verdict and Defence Comments
“Described as a predatory male with a sexual interest in children,” Recorder Baird said only a lengthy sentence was suitable.
Thompson’s barrister, Gillian Batts, noted it’s rare for defendants facing such charges to plead guilty. She argued it spared victims the trauma of court testimony and further distress.
“It is an acknowledgement from the defendant… that these things happened and the victims are telling the truth about what happened to them,” she said.
Whether Thompson took his holiday remains unclear after his sentencing hearing before a different judge.
