MATTHEW FLETCHER FROM WOODSTOCK SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF TODDLER IN OXFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Matthew Fletcher, a 27-year-old man from Woodstock, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of attempting to rape a 23-month-old girl. The incident came to light when the child's mother discovered Fletcher in bed with her young daughter, who was found naked and bearing scratches and bruises on her back and bottom.

Fletcher had initially denied the charges of attempted rape, but a jury at Oxford Crown Court found him guilty in January. The court heard that the young girl’s mother had taken her for a medical examination after noticing the injuries, which included scratches, bruises, and another unspecified injury. The child's nightdress, which she was wearing when put to bed, was never recovered, raising further questions about the circumstances of the incident.

During the trial, Fletcher claimed he had no recollection of how he ended up in bed with the child. He admitted to having consumed eight pints of beer and some wine the previous evening, and his defense argued that his intoxication might explain his actions. His lawyer, Michael Hall, requested leniency from Judge Anthony King, emphasizing that Fletcher had no prior sexual convictions and suggesting that the incident was an isolated event. Mr. Hall also pointed out that Fletcher was still in denial about what happened.

However, the prosecution highlighted Fletcher’s history of violence and dishonesty, noting that he had 11 previous convictions, none of which were related to sexual offenses. The court was told that swabs taken from the child's body did not contain Fletcher’s DNA, which added complexity to the case. Despite this, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “This was a very serious offence. The explanation for it may lie substantially in the drink you had consumed.”

Following his conviction, Judge King ordered Fletcher to register with the police upon his release and informed him that he would be segregated from other prisoners during his incarceration to ensure his safety. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Woodstock, raising concerns about safety and the protection of vulnerable children in the area.