MATTHEW HOWELL FROM CHELL HEATH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS IN HANLEY FOREST PARK

In a case that has shocked the local community, Matthew Howell, a 24-year-old man from Chell Heath, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with two teenage girls, both aged 15. The disturbing incidents took place in and around the Hanley Forest Park area, with Howell’s actions involving multiple locations and circumstances that have raised serious concerns about the safety of minors in the region.

According to court proceedings, Howell, who is married and a father to young children, first initiated contact with one of the girls at a friend’s house. The court heard that Howell managed to seduce her, leading to a sexual encounter. The second victim was met at the skate park within Hanley Forest Park, where Howell engaged in sexual activity with her on at least three separate occasions. These encounters resulted in the girl becoming pregnant, although she later chose to terminate the pregnancy.

The prosecution, led by Heather Chamberlin, detailed the events of January 31 of the previous year, when Howell was at a party. During this gathering, Howell reportedly began flirting with others, including the teenage girls. Court records reveal that everyone else at the party had gone to bed, except Howell’s wife and one of the 15-year-old girls. Prosecutors stated that Howell suggested to his wife that she should retire for the night, which she did, leaving Howell alone with the girl. It was during this time that Howell made unwanted advances towards her, despite her initial fear and resistance. The court was told that Howell persisted in his advances, and eventually, the girl ceased resisting. He then engaged in sexual intercourse with her, after which he discarded the condom out of the window.

The following morning, Howell and his wife had an argument, fueled by suspicions that something had occurred the night before. The teenage girl’s elder brother confronted her, leading her to admit that Howell had had sex with her. Police recovered the condom from a tree in the vicinity, and forensic analysis confirmed Howell’s DNA on the condom, establishing his involvement.

Howell was arrested on February 5 at his residence on Recorder Grove, Chell Heath. During police interviews, he admitted to being present at the party but did not comment on the sexual activity. The case took a further turn when the mother of Howell’s second victim discovered that her daughter was eight weeks pregnant, just a day after her 16th birthday in November. The girl had been in a sexual relationship with Howell for approximately three years, beginning in July 2008. She told police that their sexual encounters were consensual, often taking place at Howell’s home when his wife was also present. However, she was aware that Howell knew she was underage.

Howell’s arrest on December 8 led to further charges, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child during an earlier court hearing. His defense, represented by Catherine O’Reilly, highlighted that Howell had no previous convictions, expressed remorse for his actions, and acknowledged the impact on his victims. Probation officers described him as an immature 24-year-old, which the court considered in its sentencing decision.

Judge Granville Styler sentenced Howell to serve half of his prison term, with the remaining days on remand counting towards his sentence. The judge emphasized that Howell did not pose a significant public protection risk warranting a life sentence but imposed an extended license period of three years. This period is intended to allow Howell to participate in sex offender treatment programs and address his “deviant attitudes.” Additionally, Howell was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was disqualified from working with children. The judge expressed concern over the potential danger Howell poses, stating, “There is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm from you committing further specified offences. Teenage girls are particularly at risk from you.”