MATTHEW CONNELLY SENTENCED IN LANARKSHIRE FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES

Matthew Connelly, aged 22, who committed a series of serious sexual offences in Lanark and Carluke between February 2018 and March 2020, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Connelly targeted his victims over a span of two years, first assaulting a 16-year-old on numerous occasions at Lanark Loch and in a property in Carluke. He threatened to commit suicide if she did not meet him for sex, then raped her.

In July 2018, Connelly raped another woman, removing her clothes, straddling her while she was asleep, and restraining her after she woke up. He then raped her. Additionally, he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl multiple times between 2017 and 2018, and had unlawful sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl in 2018.

He also assaulted another woman in a vehicle by removing her seatbelt and attempting to push her out. Judge William Gallacher stated: "You were convicted of a series of very serious criminal offences for your own sexual gratification. You subjected young victims to manipulation, abuse, psychological influence, control, as well as physical sexual behaviour."

The judge also remarked that all the victims were between 14 and 18 when subjected to Connelly’s controlling and violent actions. He added, "You took advantage of one girl being a youth, and when she refused your advances, you seized and raped her. You found another girl on a school bus and engaged in sexual assaults, manipulating and raping her. Every sexual offence would have merited a lengthy prison sentence."

Following his conviction, Connelly was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and was sentenced to three years of supervision after his release. His defense attorney, Tony Graham, highlighted that Connelly hails from a family with a strong work ethic and now understands his place in society.

A Lanarkshire detective described the crimes as "despicable" and stressed the importance of reporting sexual abuse. Detective Inspector David Lamont of Wishaw Police Station said: "Connelly subjected his victims to sustained sexual abuse over months and is now facing the consequences of his despicable actions. This sentencing sends a clear message that anyone guilty of such offences will be brought to justice."

He commended the victims for their bravery and expressed hope that the sentence would help them move forward. Detective Lamont also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to supporting victims and pursuing justice, urging anyone with information to contact the police. Connelly was found guilty earlier this month at the High Court in Glasgow.