MATTHEW RAWE FROM CHUDLEIGH AND PADSTOW SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE CASES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chudleigh, Padstow, and Newton Abbot, Matthew Rawe, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences spanning over two decades, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 19 years. The conviction follows a series of serious allegations involving the abuse of young girls, some of which date back to the early 1980s, and the case has highlighted the persistent dangers posed by offenders with long histories of predatory behavior.

Rawe, who is now 55 years old, faced a jury at Exeter Crown Court in June, where he was found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of attempted rape. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence of Rawe’s pattern of grooming and abusing vulnerable children, often under the guise of friendship or service. Despite his conviction, Rawe maintained his innocence, a stance that was noted by the presiding judge, Judge Phillip Wassall, who emphasized the ongoing risk he poses to children.

During the sentencing, Judge Wassall expressed his concern about Rawe’s continued danger, stating, “You pose a real and continuing risk, even at your age, of committing offences against children.” The judge’s comments underscored the severity of the crimes and the importance of protecting the public from individuals like Rawe. The court also imposed a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from engaging in any contact with minors, reflecting the gravity of his offences.

Rawe’s criminal activities began in the early 1980s when he was residing in the Padstow area of North Cornwall. His pattern of offending continued after he moved to Newton Abbot in Devon in the early 1990s, following his divorce. It was during his time in Newton Abbot that he committed further abuses, including an incident involving a teenage girl he befriended at a local care home where her relative was employed. The prosecution’s case revealed that Rawe would often tell his victims, “our little secret,” in an effort to prevent them from disclosing his actions to authorities.

The court heard that Rawe’s background included service in the Royal Navy, and that he had suffered from depression at various points in his life. His defense lawyer, Rupert Taylor, described Rawe as someone who viewed himself as a victim, citing a pre-sentence report that suggested this perspective. Despite these claims, the judge made it clear that Rawe would receive no leniency due to his denial of guilt, and he acknowledged the profound impact his crimes had on the victims and their families.

During the hearing, Rawe was seen pulling faces from the dock and, upon hearing the length of his sentence, he collapsed into his chair with his head in his hands. The court’s decision to impose a 19-year term reflects the seriousness with which the justice system views such offences. The police, represented by Detective Sergeant Neil Ralph of Devon and Cornwall Police, expressed hope that the conviction would encourage other victims to come forward. Ralph emphasized that the police are committed to investigating historic crimes thoroughly and that such cases are taken very seriously in court.

In addition to the prison sentence, Rawe was subjected to a lifelong ban on speaking to children, aimed at preventing any future offences. The case has brought to light the dangers posed by individuals who exploit their positions of trust and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children. The community and law enforcement agencies hope that this case will serve as a reminder of the need for continued awareness and reporting of abuse, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.