MARK MATTHEWS OF BARTLEY JAILED FOR ABUSING TEENAGE GIRL IN THE NEW FOREST

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Mark Matthews, a 38-year-old army cadet force officer from Bartley, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the sexual abuse of a teenage girl in the New Forest area. Matthews, who has previously served in Bosnia and the Gulf War, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and illegal conduct towards a minor, highlighting a grave breach of trust and authority.

According to court reports, Matthews was heavily involved in sending an overwhelming number of messages to the 15-year-old girl—more than 1,000 in total—via text and online platforms. These messages often revolved around her personal love life, with Matthews frequently signing off with an “x,” a symbol typically associated with kisses. In one particularly disturbing message, he expressed a desire to see her naked, openly admitting, “I sound like a right old perv, don’t I?” This candid remark underscored the inappropriate nature of his communications and his obsession with the young girl.

Matthews, who held the rank of captain within the Army Cadet Corps for a decade, had a history of meeting the girl in person. On one occasion, he met her outside her school while she was dressed in her cadet uniform. The encounter escalated when Matthews drove her to the New Forest, a location known for its scenic beauty and rural tranquility. Court proceedings revealed that during this meeting, the two shared a kiss, which the girl did not believe would lead to further intimacy. However, after they exited Matthews’ vehicle, they continued walking along a gravel track in the forest, where Matthews committed sexual abuse against her.

Following the incident, the girl reported the matter to authorities, leading to Matthews’ arrest. During police interviews, he chose to remain silent, giving two no-comment responses when questioned about his actions. Despite his silence, evidence was sufficient for the court to convict him of sexual activity with a child. Matthews, who resides on New Inn Road in Bartley, was subsequently sentenced for his crimes, marking a significant moment of justice for the victim and the community at large.