MATTHEW ROWLANDS FROM COPTHORNE SHREWSBURY JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In April 2008, a disturbing case unfolded involving Matthew Rowlands, a 35-year-old man from Copthorne, Shrewsbury, who was convicted of possessing and distributing a significant collection of indecent images of children. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the fact that he had downloaded over 5,300 such images, with 1,398 of these being shared or distributed to others, alongside 15 charges related to creating indecent images of minors.

During the proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Judge Robin Onions addressed the gravity of the case, highlighting the shocking nature of the images involved. The judge expressed disbelief that a father of two young children could engage in viewing such material, especially considering that at least one of the images depicted a child no older than a few years of age. The images were described by the judge as some of the worst he had ever encountered, emphasizing the heinous nature of the offenses.

The court also heard that Rowlands had incited another man to commit child abuse, adding a further layer of depravity to his actions. Despite his successful business and stable income, the judge remarked on the inexplicable risk he took by indulging in such behavior, which ultimately led to his downfall.

As a result of his convictions, Matthew Rowlands was sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison. The sentence was structured with 16 months for distributing the images, an additional eight months for possession, and four months for encouraging another individual to abuse a child. These sentences are to run consecutively, meaning one after the other.

Furthermore, Rowlands was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. He was also prohibited from having any contact with children under the age of 16 without prior approval from social services, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors.

Judge Onions concluded by noting that this case involved the largest number of images he had ever encountered in his judicial career, underscoring the disturbing scale of Rowlands’ offenses and the serious consequences he faced for his actions.