BENJAMIN MATTINSON POCKLINGTON ARMY RECRUIT ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX OFFENCES IN YORKSHIRE

In June 2016, a disturbing case involving Benjamin Mattinson, a 19-year-old army recruit from Barmby Road, Pocklington, came to light, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior towards four young female cadets. Mattinson, who was serving as a drill instructor in the British Army, used social media platforms Facebook and Snapchat to target underage girls, exploiting his position of authority and trust to manipulate them.

He initially approached each girl with compliments, often praising their appearance and attempting to establish a rapport. His tactics included flattering comments about their looks and gradually requesting intimate photographs, despite knowing they were underage. His actions escalated to arranging clandestine meetings in woods and car parks around Pocklington, where he engaged in sexual activities with three of the young cadets. During these encounters, he became increasingly moody and secretive, insisting that their relationship remain confidential, which raised suspicions among those close to the victims.

Despite being aware that his conduct was illegal, Mattinson continued his inappropriate behavior. He was informed that if he were an adult, he could face imprisonment for more than five years for his actions. However, in a surprising turn, a judge decided to allow him to avoid immediate jail time. This decision was influenced by a letter from Lieutenant Saunders of the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, who highlighted Mattinson’s promising future within the army. The officer praised his performance during training, including his physical fitness, which earned him the title of “Best Recruit” at his army passing-out parade.

During the court proceedings at Hull Crown Court, Crown barrister Charlotte Baines detailed the extent of Mattinson’s misconduct. She explained that he initially seduced the first cadet by complimenting her appearance, telling her she looked nice, and then gradually requesting more revealing photographs. The girl expressed fear, stating she had never engaged in such activities before, and asked him to delete the images. Despite blocking him on Facebook at one point, she resumed contact after Mattinson expressed remorse and they met again in a Pocklington park, where he initiated sexual contact. He later claimed it was a single French kiss.

The second victim was also drawn in by Mattinson’s role as a drill instructor. She was soon receiving messages suggesting they should meet. Their first encounter involved a walk where he offered her his coat, but he quickly began pressuring her for sexual acts. She confided in a friend about her feelings for him, but when Mattinson discovered this, he ceased communication for five months, citing concerns about her age. During their relationship, he engaged in sexual activity with her at least three times.

The third girl was also targeted through Facebook, with Mattinson arranging to meet her in woods approximately 12 times a month for sexual encounters. Although their relationship was kept secret, she grew suspicious that he was seeing other girls simultaneously. Barrister Baines noted that Mattinson’s charm was evident as he called her “beautiful” and made her feel special, especially during times when she felt alone.

The fourth victim, from East Yorkshire, was approached by Mattinson who flirted with her and invited her to his tent. She declined, suspecting his intentions were sexual. After the camp, he continued messaging her, initially engaging in normal conversation before requesting more explicit pictures. She sent a photo, to which he responded with praise but expressed a desire to see more. Over the following two weeks, he messaged her daily, and during a Skype call, he encouraged her to undress herself. Her mother discovered these conversations, which led to her husband contacting the police and the cadets involved.

Mattinson ultimately pleaded guilty to 11 charges of sexual touching of a child and two charges of inciting sexual activity. His sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court was held on a Monday, where Judge Simon Jack acknowledged the seriousness of his offenses. The judge noted that, had it not been for Mattinson’s early guilty plea and positive references, he could have faced a lengthy prison sentence. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, highlighting the abuse of trust and the significant age difference between Mattinson and his victims, some of whom were as young as 16.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Jack decided on a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with a fine of £500 in costs. He expressed hope that Mattinson’s promising career in the army would not be derailed, stating, “You look like you have a good career ahead of you, don’t throw it away.” Despite the conviction, Mattinson was allowed to walk free from court, avoiding immediate imprisonment, a decision that drew criticism given the nature of his offenses.