MATTHEW REVELS SHOCKS NEWRY WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT PETERBOROUGH HOTEL

A disturbing case of sexual assault has resulted in the imprisonment of Matthew Revels, a man from Newry, after he targeted a woman during a work Christmas celebration in Peterborough. The incident, which took place on December 3, 2022, has left the victim traumatized and has led to Revels being held accountable in court.

According to court reports, Revels, aged 42, initiated his assault early in the evening while the group was enjoying festivities at a hotel in Peterborough. Witnesses describe how Revels approached the woman on the dancefloor, where he made an inappropriate move by sliding his knee between her legs and then engaging in what was described as grinding from behind. The victim, visibly uncomfortable, attempted to distance herself from him, but Revels persisted.

Later in the evening, the situation escalated further. While at the bar with a group of colleagues, Revels managed to place the victim’s hand on his crotch. She immediately withdrew her hand and firmly told him, “I know what you want and it’s not happening,” signaling her clear refusal and discomfort. Despite her protests, Revels continued his inappropriate behavior.

As the night progressed, the group moved back to a hotel room around midnight for drinks. The victim consumed a shot of Sambuca, which caused her to feel unwell. She excused herself to the bathroom, seeking relief. Revels claimed he was going to check on her, but inside the bathroom, he committed a sexual assault against her. The assault left the victim in a state of panic, struggling to breathe during a severe anxiety attack. Emergency services were called, and medics attended to her, during which she disclosed the details of the assault.

Revels was found in his hotel room, asleep at the time of his arrest. The police quickly responded to the victim’s account and apprehended him. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Chris Enright, who emphasized the vulnerability of the victim. “The victim was in a powerless state - alone in a place unfamiliar to her while being very unwell. She was in no state to consent to any sexual activity,” he stated.

On April 24, at Huntingdon Law Courts, Revels appeared to face justice. He pleaded guilty to the charge of assault by penetration and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Additionally, the court imposed a 10-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and ordered Revels to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Revels’s address was noted as Armagh Road, Newry, Northern Ireland.

The case highlights the importance of consent and the devastating impact of sexual violence. DC Enright condemned Revels’s actions, stating, “Despite already being told earlier on in the evening that nothing was going to happen, Revels took it upon himself to take advantage of the victim and use sexual violence against her while she was at her most vulnerable.” The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the ongoing efforts to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.