MATTHEW HARPER FROM CLAYTON-LE-MOORS FACES JAIL TIME OVER SEX OFFENSES IN BURNLEY

In a serious case heard at Burnley Crown Court, Matthew Stuart Harper, a resident of Clayton Way in Clayton-le-Moors, has been warned of a likely lengthy prison sentence after admitting to multiple charges related to attempted sexual misconduct involving a minor.

Harper, aged 39, was involved in offenses that took place between March 13 and March 28. The court was informed that Harper believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl named Emma, but in reality, he was engaging with a police officer posing as the minor.

The charges against Harper included attempting to initiate sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child. In total, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two counts of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, two counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

However, Harper entered a plea of not guilty to four additional allegations of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act. Prosecutor Lisa Worsley clarified that these pleas were acceptable to the Crown, and as a result, they would not pursue a trial on those particular charges.

Following his guilty pleas, Harper was granted conditional bail while authorities prepared a pre-sentence report to assess his case further. The judge overseeing the case, Judge Simon Medland QC, issued a stern warning, stating, “The fact that you are on bail and a pre-sentence report is being ordered should not be an indication of sentence. On June 8, you must expect an immediate and substantial custodial sentence to be passed on you.”

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about online and offline grooming and exploitation, especially involving individuals who target minors under the false assumption of anonymity and safety. The court's warning underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the likelihood of Harper facing significant time behind bars for his actions.