DROITWICH MAN CHRISTOPHER MATTHEWS ADMITS TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES INCLUDING RAPE AND IMAGE PRODUCTION

In a serious development at Worcester Crown Court, Christopher Matthews, a 30-year-old man formerly residing in Droitwich, has pleaded guilty to a series of grave sexual offences involving a minor. The court proceedings took place via videolink from HMP Hewell, where Matthews is currently detained, reflecting the severity of the charges against him.

Matthews admitted to a total of eight sexual offences related to a child, which encompass acts of rape, attempted rapes, and the creation of indecent images. Among these, he confessed to producing two counts of indecent images of a child, with the offences spanning from February 2008 to June 2016. Specifically, he acknowledged creating 37 images classified as category B and 94 as category C, indicating varying degrees of severity in the images produced.

Furthermore, Matthews admitted to causing child pornography to be produced between February 5 and February 8, 2008. This particular offence involved a child aged between 10 and 12 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the case. The court also heard that Matthews pleaded guilty to charges of rape and two attempted rapes of a child under the age of 13, with these offences occurring over a period from December 17, 2005, to April 3, 2008.

In addition to these charges, Matthews admitted to two counts of assault by penetration on a child under 13, which took place within the same timeframe. These admissions underscore the gravity of the crimes committed and the extensive period over which they occurred.

The legal proceedings also revealed that Matthews's defence team has engaged a psychological expert to prepare a report prior to sentencing, which is scheduled for August 3. The prosecution has indicated plans to seek a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to further protect potential victims and prevent future offences.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright announced that the sentencing hearing would be adjourned until August 3, and Matthews remains in custody until that date. As part of the legal process, Matthews is now subject to the registration and notification requirements mandated for sex offenders, reflecting the ongoing concern for public safety and the seriousness of his crimes.