MATTHEW RACKSTRAW

FOLKESTONE MAN MATTHEW RACKSTRAW SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES

In August 2012, a man from Folkestone named Matthew Rackstraw was sentenced to two years in prison after he was convicted of creating and downloading indecent images of children.

Rackstraw, aged 38 and formerly residing on Ivy Way, pleaded guilty in June at Canterbury Crown Court to multiple charges, including one count of sexual activity with a child, six counts of possessing indecent images of minors, three counts of taking such images, one count of possessing extreme images, two counts of voyeurism, and two counts of possessing controlled substances.

During the investigation, officers from the child exploitation and investigation team discovered 473 still images and 152 videos on Rackstraw's computer, some classified in the highest category of abuse.

Detective Constable Jo Gordon, the investigating officer, stated, “Matthew Rackstraw demonstrated no regard for the effect his behaviour had on victims, and I am pleased the public will now be protected from him.

Each indecent image contains a victim, and there is never any excuse to view or download indecent images of children.” As part of his sentence, Rackstraw will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order.