LANCASHIRE PAEDOPHILE MATTHEW KELLY DODGES JAIL
A convicted sex offender, Matthew Kelly, has walked free from Burnley Crown Court after admitting to offences serious enough to earn him a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.Kelly, whose crimes were deemed so severe that the court imposed a 10-year notification requirement, was handed a 22-month prison sentence, but it was suspended for two years — meaning he will only serve time if he re-offends.
As part of his punishment, Kelly must complete 120 hours of unpaid work and attend a 15-day rehabilitation programme designed to address his offending behaviour.
He was also ordered to pay a £187 surcharge to the court.
The Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) will heavily restrict Kelly’s movements and online activity for a decade, while the notification order forces him to regularly inform police of his address and any changes in personal circumstances.
The court confirmed the case is now concluded, but prosecutors warned that Kelly still has the right to appeal his sentence.
Meanwhile, under the ‘Unduly Lenient Sentence’ scheme, the Attorney General could review the case if the public believes the punishment does not fit the crime.
Kelly’s conviction adds his name to the growing list of offenders monitored under strict conditions designed to protect the public from further harm.
Matthew Kelly was stung by the Child Online Safety Team (COST)
