BLAIR MATTHEWS FROM CARDENDEN SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AND HARASSMENT IN DUNFERMLINE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Cardenden, Blair Matthews, a 44-year-old man, was recently sentenced to prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sex offences and controlling behaviors directed towards a woman over a period exceeding nine months.

Matthews, who formerly resided in Cardenden and is currently serving time in custody, appeared via video link from jail at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for his sentencing hearing last month. The court heard a detailed account of his actions, which included a pattern of abusive conduct, harassment, and physical assault against the victim.

Sheriff Charles Macnair sentenced Matthews to three years and six months in prison, which is part of an extended sentence totaling five years. Under the terms of this extended sentence, Matthews will be released after serving the custodial portion, but will remain under supervision in the community until the full five-year period concludes. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.

To further protect the victim, Matthews was also subjected to a non-harassment order, which is also indefinite. This order explicitly bans him from entering Glencraig and Lochore Meadows Country Park, locations that are significant in the context of the case and the victim's safety.

It was noted that Matthews has been in custody since the sentencing, and therefore, the sentence was backdated to March 27 of this year. The charges against him stem from a series of incidents that took place between April 1, 2020, and January 14 of the following year, at various locations including the A92, Lochore Meadows, and Glencraig.

The court heard that Matthews engaged in a sustained campaign of harassment and abuse. His actions included following the victim’s vehicle, driving dangerously close behind her, overtaking her abruptly, and then driving in front of her to brake harshly, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid a collision. He repeatedly approached her, followed her, and attempted to initiate conversations, creating a sense of fear and intimidation.

His conduct escalated to more invasive and violent acts. Matthews attended her home uninvited, loitered outside, and forcibly entered her residence. Inside, he repeatedly touched her, seized her breasts and buttocks, and refused to leave, even forcing open her door, which caused injury to the victim. He also threw a jar at her door, damaging it.

The court detailed further disturbing behavior, including Matthews pinning her against a sofa, rubbing his body against her, seizing her hand and attempting to force it inside his trousers. He exposed himself and forced her to engage in sexual acts, including pulling up her top and performing a sex act on her. His actions were accompanied by shouting, swearing, and throwing objects such as a set of car keys.

Throughout this period, Matthews maintained contact with the victim through repeated phone calls, emails, and text messages. He also bought her gifts, arranged for shopping deliveries to her home, and left items at her door. His behavior included threats to kill himself, adding to the distress and fear experienced by the victim.

This case highlights the serious nature of controlling and abusive behavior, and the legal consequences faced by offenders like Blair Matthews, who has now been held accountable for his actions in the courts of Dunfermline.