SEATON SEX OFFENDER MATTHEW HAMPTON SENTENCED AFTER SHOCKING GROPING SPREE

In a case that has stirred considerable concern within the seaside town of Seaton in Devon, a local man named Matthew Hampton has been sentenced for a series of disturbing sexual offenses. The community, which had shown remarkable restraint and tolerance throughout the proceedings, was praised by the presiding judge for their level-headed response despite the high emotions surrounding the case.

Judge Mr. Justice Evans publicly commended the residents of Seaton for their patience and good judgment, noting that they had refrained from taking any vigilante action against Hampton, who had been released back into their midst prior to his sentencing. The judge’s comments came as he sentenced Hampton, aged 30, for a two-week spree of inappropriate and criminal behavior involving groping women in various locations around the town.

Hampton, a university student who was preparing to begin a Master’s degree in history at Cambridge University the following year, was found guilty of multiple sexual assaults. His offending included groping women in shops, with one victim being a girl as young as 14. The incidents involved Hampton following women around shops in Seaton and repeatedly touching them, actions he later claimed to police were his misguided way of making a sexual approach. His actions left many victims feeling disgusted, distressed, and vulnerable.

Following his arrest, Hampton was released into the community of Seaton, which is known for its quiet seaside charm. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was subsequently sentenced at Exeter Crown Court to 36 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo 18 months of supervision under probation services and was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. The judge emphasized that Hampton’s rehabilitation and ongoing supervision would serve the public’s best interest more effectively than a short-term custodial sentence alone.

During the court proceedings, Hampton’s defense lawyer, Mr. Warren Robinson, highlighted that since his release, Hampton had been living quietly in Seaton without any further incidents. Robinson remarked, “Since being released he has been back in the small community of Seaton and there have been no incidents. The people of Seaton have had the opportunity to express their umbrage, but they haven’t.” The judge responded to this by stating, “That speaks very highly of them.”

The court heard that Hampton’s victims ranged in age from 14 to 51 years old. Among those affected was a hairdresser who was groped while cutting Hampton’s hair. This particular incident was notable because Hampton paid for the haircut using a credit card, inadvertently revealing his workplace as he engaged in conversation with the stylist. Hampton, of The Avenue, Seaton, admitted to six sexual assaults and requested that two additional charges be considered.

The judge addressed the seriousness of Hampton’s actions, stating, “The effects on your victims were to be very upsetting and have undermined their confidence when they are out shopping. Your attitude to it was very worrying, and I hope for your sake that was simply a stance you adopted with the police.” He further emphasized the court’s goal of preventing future offenses, saying, “The intention of the court is to stop this behaviour so others don’t have to undergo the same unpleasant, demeaning, worrying, and frightening experiences.”

Among the victims was a 14-year-old girl who was left crying uncontrollably after Hampton put his hand on her bottom, followed her when she tried to move away, and then touched her again, reaching for her breasts. Other victims included a 42-year-old woman working at a charity shop, a 51-year-old woman at a gift shop, a 25-year-old hairdresser, and a 20-year-old woman shopping at a pet store. Hampton also approached and touched women in supermarkets such as Cooperative and Tesco.

In his defense, Mr. Warren Robinson stated that Hampton now fully accepts the wrongfulness of his actions and recognizes the need for help. He added that Hampton had already spent eight days in custody, which had a profound and shocking impact on him, and that he was committed to addressing his issues moving forward.