GOREBRIDGE SEX OFFENDER MATTHEW ROY CAUGHT AT SCENE OF HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE PLOT IN GOREBRIDGE

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Gorebridge, Matthew Roy, a 61-year-old sex offender, was caught attempting to commit a heinous act at a single mother’s residence. The incident unfolded on July 30, 2018, when Roy arrived at her home, expecting to carry out a sick and twisted plan to abuse her young child, according to court proceedings.

Roy’s arrest came after the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, noticed him approaching her property through her CCTV system. She had previously taken steps to protect herself and her child by installing surveillance cameras and temporarily relocating to her parents’ house due to the ongoing threats and harassment. The woman’s fear was justified, as Roy’s presence at her doorstep was part of a broader, malicious scheme orchestrated by Stuart Callum Westwood, a 46-year-old man with a disturbing criminal history.

Westwood, a former employee of BAE Systems, was sentenced to eight years in prison in May after being found guilty of creating numerous fake profiles on dating platforms such as Plenty of Fish and Illicit Encounters. His deception involved inviting strangers to the woman’s home, with the intent of facilitating sexual acts involving her and her young son. This elaborate and perverted plot was designed to exploit the woman’s trust and carry out sexual abuse, with Westwood orchestrating the entire scheme.

Roy, who previously worked for both the police and ambulance services in Gorebridge, was among the men lured into this malicious trap by Westwood. Believing he was communicating directly with the woman, Roy quickly transitioned the conversation to WhatsApp, where he made explicit and sordid suggestions about engaging in sexual acts with her and her child. His intentions were clear and disturbing, reflecting a calculated attempt to commit a serious sexual offense.

On the day of the incident, Roy’s presence at the woman’s door prompted her to contact the police immediately. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, and Roy was arrested at the scene. During court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, Roy pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to incite an adult to engage in sexual activity with a child.

Judge Robert Altham delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Roy’s actions. He stated, “It is important to understand the gravity of what it was you were attempting to cause. On that day, you had a mobile phone in your hand. The boy’s mother knew why you were there. She knew not because she had any collusion but because of what others had done before by turning up at the house. It is absolutely clear from the chat logs that you were pushing the conversation along. You were initiating conversations. It is plain you turned up there expecting the boy to be there and expecting him to be abused.”

While acknowledging Roy’s claims of poor health and mental health issues—stemming from his previous role as a first responder at the Lockerbie air disaster—the judge noted that no medical evidence supported these assertions. Roy was identified as one of ten men who had appeared at the woman’s residence, all part of Westwood’s malicious scheme.

As a result of his conviction, Roy will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Additionally, he will be referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service, an organization responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from potential harm. The case highlights the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of society from predatory behavior.