MATTHEW AXTELL FROM RAMSBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND INDECENT IMAGES IN WILTSHIRE AND ABINGDON

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Ramsbury, Abingdon, and the wider Wiltshire area, Matthew Axtell, aged 35, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the grooming and exploitation of a vulnerable child. The offences, which spanned from 2011 to 2015, included multiple instances of abuse carried out in both Abingdon and Wiltshire, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over several years.

According to court proceedings, Axtell, who resides on Crowood Lane in Ramsbury, was found guilty of serious charges including voyeurism, the production and possession of indecent images of children, and inciting a minor to engage in sexual activities. The case was brought to light after police investigations uncovered disturbing evidence on his electronic devices. Prosecutors detailed how Axtell had sent numerous messages to a young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, via Snapchat, a popular social media platform. These messages included manipulative and coercive content aimed at grooming the victim.

Further examination of Axtell’s devices revealed a troubling collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. Police seized multiple devices during his arrest, which confirmed the extent of his illicit activities. Investigators also discovered search terms such as 'jail bait teens' and 'dirty teens on Instagram,' indicating a disturbing interest in underage individuals and a premeditated intent to find and exploit minors online.

One of the most distressing aspects of the case was the evidence that Axtell had recorded his young victim, and later incited her to send explicit images of herself. The victim’s mother delivered an emotional statement in court, describing the profound impact the abuse had on her family’s mental health. She expressed her anguish and the suffering endured by her children after the abuse was uncovered, emphasizing the lasting trauma inflicted by Axtell’s actions.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Ian Pringle QC described Axtell’s conduct as grooming, underscoring the severity of the offences. The judge stated that such serious crimes warranted an immediate custodial sentence. Consequently, Axtell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm to potential victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.