LYNDON MATTHEWS PORTHCAWL SEX OFFENDER SET FOR EARLY RELEASE NEAR BRIDGEND VILLAGE

In August 2003, a disturbing case emerged involving Lyndon Matthews, a man from Porthcawl, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The incident has left a lasting scar on the victim and her family, who are now voicing their deep concerns as Matthews approaches an early release from prison.

Matthews, aged 39, was sentenced to 12 months after a jury at Cardiff Crown Court found him guilty of indecently assaulting the young girl. Despite the conviction, his family and the victim’s relatives are alarmed that he is set to be released after serving only half of his sentence. The family’s fears are compounded by the conditions of his upcoming release, which they believe do not sufficiently prevent him from entering the community where the girl spends much of her time.

The victim’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, described the profound impact the assault and subsequent legal proceedings have had on her daughter. She revealed that her daughter has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression by a psychiatrist. The trauma has led her to self-harm, including wrist-cutting, and she has been prescribed Prozac to help manage her mental health struggles.

Although Matthews denied the allegations during the trial, the jury found him guilty, and he was subsequently ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The judge, Christopher Llewellyn-Jones, also mandated that Matthews be placed on the sex offenders’ register and emphasized the seriousness of his crime.

Phil Jones, the director of operations for South Wales Probation Service, confirmed that Matthews was expected to be released “in the next few days.” He explained that the conditions of Matthews’s licence would not restrict him from entering the village in Bridgend where the victim often stays with relatives. However, Jones clarified that Matthews is prohibited from making direct contact with the girl or her family during his three-month licence period, and any breach of this condition would result in his return to prison.

The victim’s mother expressed her fears about the potential consequences of Matthews’s release. She stated, “She’s been on the tablets for a while and we are starting to see a little bit of an improvement. This could set her back. I just don’t know what effect it could have if she bumps into him. It could be really drastic.”

Adding to the community’s concern, the girl’s 66-year-old grandfather remarked, “His rights seem to be paramount,” highlighting the frustration and helplessness felt by the family as they face the imminent return of Matthews to their neighborhood in Porthcawl, near Bridgend.