KNUTSFORD MAN MATTHEW MASON SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER IN CHESHIRE WOODS

In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community, Matthew Mason, a 19-year-old resident of Knutsford, Cheshire, has been convicted and sentenced for the murder of 15-year-old Alex Rodda. The incident took place in the woods near Ashley, close to Altrincham, on the night of December 12, 2019, and has since garnered significant media attention due to the heinous nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it.

Matthew Mason was sentenced to life imprisonment at Chester Crown Court on a Monday, with a minimum term of 28 years before he becomes eligible for parole. The judge, Stephen Everett, described Mason’s actions as a carefully orchestrated and premeditated act of violence, emphasizing the cold and ruthless planning that went into the murder. The court heard that Mason, who was older and more emotionally mature than his young victim, had deliberately chosen a secluded spot in the woods outside Ashley to carry out the attack.

During the sentencing, Judge Everett condemned Mason’s behavior, stating that he was a selfish individual who had intentionally selected a “devastating weapon,” a wrench, to carry out the killing. The judge also highlighted Mason’s manipulative behavior, revealing that he had groomed Alex Rodda by sending him explicit photographs and videos, fostering a sexual relationship that was ultimately used as leverage in the tragic events.

Alex’s family members provided emotional testimonies during the court proceedings. His father described him as a loving boy who was well-liked among his school friends, while his mother, Lisa Rodda, expressed the profound grief and horror of losing her son in such a brutal manner. She told the court, “When you lose your child in the most horrific and brutal circumstances, as parents you really do experience hell.”

Matthew Mason admitted to beating Alex to death but denied that it was murder, claiming that he had lost control during the attack after being blackmailed by the young teenager. The court heard that Mason and Alex had engaged in a brief sexual relationship, which was revealed when Alex confided in Mason’s then-girlfriend about explicit messages and photos Mason had sent him. Mason’s defense argued that he had been under duress, claiming that Alex had tried to attack him before his death, which he said led to his loss of composure.

Evidence presented in court showed that Alex had been struck at least 15 times in what was described as a brutal assault. Mason’s actions following the attack were also scrutinized; he left the scene and went to a friend’s farm to clean himself up, then visited two pubs to establish an alibi by meeting friends. Mason later returned to the scene that same night. The following day, he was arrested after refuse collectors discovered Alex’s lifeless body in the woods.

The jury reached a verdict of guilty for murder by a majority at Chester Crown Court on January 7, 2021. Mason’s conviction marked the culmination of a case that revealed disturbing details about the relationship between the two boys, Mason’s manipulative tactics, and the brutal nature of the killing. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crime and the devastating impact on Alex’s family and the local community.

In the aftermath, Mason, who was studying architectural engineering, was visibly emotional in the courtroom as the verdict was read. His previous statements indicated that he had sought financial help from friends and family to pay Alex, though he did not disclose the purpose at the time. Mason expressed remorse and concern over the incident, citing feelings of embarrassment and moral conflict due to their sexual relationship, which he believed was wrong because of Alex’s age and Mason’s own gender.

The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from manipulation, secrecy, and violence among young individuals, leaving a lasting scar on the community of Knutsford and the wider Cheshire area.