MATHEW SHUTTLEWORTH CAUGHT IN CARNFORTH PAEDOPHILE SCANDAL AT PRESTON CROWN COURT

A man from Barbon, Carnforth, identified as Mathew Shuttleworth, has been brought to justice after a disturbing case involving grooming and attempted sexual contact with minors. The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Carnforth and Kirkby Lonsdale, has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about online safety and child protection.

According to court proceedings held at Preston Crown Court on May 27, the case was brought to light after Shuttleworth was caught in a sting operation conducted by a paedophile hunter group. The authorities revealed that Shuttleworth believed he was communicating with three underage children and had arranged to meet one of them, a girl he referred to as ‘Abby,’ outside a local supermarket in Kirkby Lonsdale, specifically at Booths. The court heard that the defendant, aged 38, initiated contact with ‘Abby’ on October 5, 2022, through the Wink application, a social media platform often used for messaging.

Prosecutor Hanifa Patel detailed the sequence of events, explaining that the decoy made Shuttleworth aware from the outset that she was only 12 years old. The conversation then moved to WhatsApp the following day, indicating Shuttleworth’s continued engagement with the decoy. On October 17, 2022, Shuttleworth explicitly suggested they could meet and even discussed having sex, despite the decoy’s clear statement of her age. Shuttleworth responded by expressing concern about getting into trouble, but he also indicated that they could engage in sexual activity when they met. He further attempted to persuade her by saying that kissing was not difficult and even talked about her becoming his girlfriend.

On the day of the planned meeting, Shuttleworth demonstrated further predatory behavior by sending the decoy images of bus and train timetables, providing her with specific instructions on where to get on and off public transport, presumably to facilitate the meeting. The arrest took place at Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club on October 25, 2022, when law enforcement officers apprehended him.

In addition to the contact with ‘Abby,’ the court was informed that Shuttleworth was engaged in sexual communication with two other minors, both aged 14, identified as Liana and Niamh. These interactions also occurred via the Wink application during the same period. The prosecution revealed that Shuttleworth falsely claimed to be 35 years old during conversations with Niamh, referring to her as ‘gorgeous’ and expressing a desire to meet her. He discussed physical affection, such as hugging and kissing, and inquired about her preferences and age limits for potential partners. Shuttleworth also expressed regret that he was not in bed with her, indicating a disturbing level of intent.

Regarding his interactions with Liana, the court noted that Shuttleworth told her he did not mind her being 14 and lamented the distance between them, wishing they could meet for hugs and kisses. Although no sexual images were exchanged, the prosecution confirmed that images were solicited from all three minors, highlighting the manipulative and predatory nature of his communications.

During mitigation, defense representative Holly Nelson expressed remorse on behalf of Shuttleworth, emphasizing his shame and embarrassment, not only for himself but also for his family. She pointed out that no physical harm was inflicted upon the children and highlighted Shuttleworth’s background as a hardworking man who has dedicated nearly two decades to working on dairy farms, including his own. Nelson also detailed the significant personal toll the legal proceedings have taken on Shuttleworth, who has been living with his parents for the past two and a half years due to a sexual risk order that prevents him from residing with his wife and children. She stressed his role as a provider for his family and noted his ongoing efforts to seek mental health treatment and therapy to address his issues.

The judge, His Honour Judge Unsworth KC, decided to adjourn sentencing until June 4, allowing the Crown Prosecution Service to receive further information from police regarding the delay in bringing the case to court. The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.