Sex Offender Busted 100 Miles From Home After Breaking Court Order
Kent Police have tracked down Matthew Downing, a registered sex offender, after multiple breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The 25-year-old was found 100 miles from his home, sleeping in a newly purchased car in Surrey.
Strict Rules Broken
Downing was handed a SHPO in January 2022 following convictions for making indecent images of children. His internet use was strictly controlled. He was required to notify Kent Police before using any phone or computer and allow monitoring software installation.
But in February 2025, officers discovered he was using devices without permission. When they couldn’t find him at his Dover home, they declared him a missing sex offender.
13 Charges for Breaching Court Order
Captured by the MOSOVO Targeting Team in Shalford, Surrey, Downing faced 13 charges, including 10 breaches of his SHPO. He used an anonymous web browser, online storage, and a disappearing message social app without notifying police. He also failed to report access to a smartphone, laptop, and two virtual computers.
Worse, Downing accessed the dark web to produce indecent images of children and didn’t register dating app usernames as required.
Guilty Plea and Court Date Set
Downing pleaded guilty to all charges at Canterbury Crown Court on 10 March. He remains in custody, awaiting sentencing on 17 April.
Detective Sergeant Alex Walker of Kent Police said: “Sexual Harm Prevention Orders help reduce risks posed by offenders after prison, and we take enforcing them very seriously.”
“Our specialist officers leave no stone unturned. We will travel as far as necessary to bring offenders into custody and before the court.”
