GOSPORT PAEDOPHILE LEE MATTHEWS JAILED FOR 17.5 YEARS

A Gosport Paedophile, Lee Matthews, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for multiple child sex offences committed in Gosport. At Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, November 22, 2023, Matthews, aged 39, was handed an extended sentence of 17.5 years. He had previously pleaded guilty to various charges, including: Sexual assault by penetration of a child aged 13 or over Three counts of sexual assault Recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent (commonly called 'upskirting') Production of an indecent image of a child on 4 June 2022 Making indecent images of children on 4 June 2022 The court revealed that all assault offences involved a girl known to Matthews, aged under 16, between 17 and 19 July 2023. The investigation uncovered that Matthews attempted to blackmail and bribe the girl to keep quiet about the abuse. During the investigation, authorities seized a mobile device and a Samsung tablet from Matthews, discovering 70 category B images, including one video, and 28 category C indecent images of children. Matthews, of Forton Road in Gosport, was sentenced to a total of 17 years and six months, comprising ten and a half years in custody combined with a seven-year extended license period. He was also ordered to be subject to an indefinite restraining order against the victim, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. Judge Ashworth, presiding over the case, emphasized that Matthews exploited the girl’s trust and had a ‘morbid and sexualised desire’ towards her. The judge stated that Matthews’ actions would likely result in mental harm that ‘outstrips and outlasts any physical harm’ inflicted. DC David Sloan from the Child Abuse Investigation Team described Matthews as a dangerous individual posing a significant threat to children and the public. He highlighted that despite the victim’s brave decision to report the abuse, Matthews’ manipulative attempts to deter her were unsuccessful. Sloan expressed hope that this case will reassure victims that police are committed to bringing offenders to justice. The police urge anyone affected by child sexual abuse to contact them via 101 or seek support through various dedicated services, including Child Line and NSPCC. Additional resources for reporting and support are available through official links provided in the article.