Huddersfield Paedophile Jailed for 27 Years Over Sick Child Sex Crimes
Matthew Pearce’s Horrific Abuse Spanning Over a Decade
Matthew Pearce, 56, of Glastonbury Drive, Huddersfield, has been slammed with a 27-year jail sentence at Leeds Crown Court on Monday (10 November). The vile predator was found guilty of 20 sickening sexual offences against two girls and two boys in Kirklees, carried out over 11 years from 2003 to 2014.
- Three counts of raping a child under 13
- Two counts of rape under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13
- Sexual assault
- Two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act
- Two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Five counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- Two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
- Indecency with a child
Victims’ Bravery Cracks Case Wide Open
Pearce’s reign of terror only came to light in October 2021 when one victim bravely stepped forward as an adult. This courageous move triggered a complex investigation by Kirklees child safeguarding detectives, leading to Pearce’s arrest in 2022 and his court showdown this year.
“The four victims in this case suffered sexual abuse which can only be described as horrific. We want to pay tribute to the immense bravery they have shown.” – DC Paul Campbell, Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit
Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex added: “I hope the now adult victims can find some comfort seeing Pearce jailed for this catalogue of appalling abuse. Their courage has taken a dangerous predator off our streets for many years.”
Police Urge Other Victims to Speak Out
Detectives have urged anyone else who has suffered abuse to come forward — no matter how long ago it happened. They promise full support and a relentless drive to bring offenders to justice.
“Supporting victims is the cornerstone of our investigations and we urge anyone who has yet to come forward to do so.” – DI Paul Greatorex
