JOHN WITHER FROM MATSON REARRESTED FOR BREAKING SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER IN CORNWALL

In a recent development, John Wither, a man originally from Matson, has appeared once again in court to face charges related to his failure to comply with the legal obligations of the sex offenders register. The 36-year-old, who previously served a four-year prison sentence for a heinous assault on a schoolgirl in Gloucester, is now accused of moving to Cornwall without informing the authorities, as mandated by law.

According to prosecutor Louise Pinder, Wither was convicted of indecent assault in 1998, a crime that led to his four-year imprisonment. After his release, he initially resided with his mother in Matson. However, in August of this year, police officers visited the address and were informed by his mother that Wither had moved out and was no longer welcome to return. Further investigations revealed that Wither had been claiming sickness benefits in Falmouth, Cornwall, where he had relocated without notifying the relevant authorities. It was only later that he moved back to live with his mother in Matson.

During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Wither has a history of convictions beyond his 1998 indecent assault. His criminal record underscores a pattern of behavior that has repeatedly brought him into conflict with the law.

Defending solicitor Lisa Ellis explained that Wither had been living with his mother for the past decade but had moved out due to conflicts with her partner. She emphasized that his absence was brief and not executed with any sophisticated planning, suggesting it was a short-term move rather than an attempt to evade legal obligations.

To recall, the 1998 incident involved Wither dragging a 15-year-old schoolgirl from a street in Gloucester city centre. He pushed her against a wall, kissed her, and groped her in what was described as a vile and shocking attack. The judge at Gloucester Crown Court sentenced him to four years in prison and ordered him to remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely. During the sentencing, the judge condemned his actions, stating, “You pushed her up against a wall and indecently assaulted her in the most vile way. Then after a 15-minute ordeal, you left behind a very shocked and very frightened young girl.”

Now, with his recent court appearance, authorities continue to monitor Wither’s compliance with legal requirements, emphasizing the importance of public safety and the enforcement of laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders.