RANDALSTOWN PAEDOPHILE MATTHEW HIGHAM SENTENCED AFTER CHURCH-BASED PREDATION IN ANTRIM

A disturbing case involving a self-confessed paedophile has culminated in the sentencing of Matthew Higham, aged 32, from Randalstown, after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl he met through church connections. The incident, which took place on June 23 of the previous year, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about safety and trust within church environments.

Higham was brought before Antrim Crown Court where Judge Alistair Devlin sentenced him to a total of 20 months in prison. The sentence will be divided equally, with ten months served behind bars and the remaining ten months under supervised licence conditions. In addition to his incarceration, Higham was issued a five-year sexual offences prevention order, restricting his activities and interactions, and was ordered to sign the police sex offenders’ register for the next decade.

During the proceedings, the judge highlighted that while the sexual assault was confined to a single incident, the circumstances surrounding it were complex. Higham had befriended the girl and her family through church activities, which initially fostered a sense of trust. The court was told that just a day before the assault, Higham had sent the girl a message, further establishing his connection with her.

On the day of the assault, the girl, who was home from school due to feeling unwell, received a message from Higham asking if she wanted to go for a “mental health walk” to help her feel better. He suggested they meet at the technology park in Antrim, where the assault occurred. The girl confided in her mother upon returning home, prompting her to report the incident to authorities. Higham was arrested later that evening.

Initially, Higham denied any wrongdoing during police interviews. However, the following day, he contacted one of the officers involved in the investigation. In a distressed and tearful phone call, he admitted that he had not been truthful during his initial statements, revealing remorse and acknowledging his misconduct.

The victim’s mother expressed her relief at the sentence, stating, “At least for the time being, he is off the streets and everyone is safe from him.” She also emphasized the importance of her daughter’s bravery in speaking out, hoping her courage might inspire other victims to come forward. The judge’s ruling and the subsequent legal actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators who exploit trust within community and religious settings, and the importance of vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.