MATTHEW SEPHTON FROM ALTRINCHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CRIMES IN MANCHESTER

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the local community, Matthew Sephton, a former councillor and primary school teacher from Altrincham, has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving child abuse images. The 42-year-old, who previously served as a representative for Altrincham on Trafford Council for nearly four years, was found guilty of possessing, creating, and distributing thousands of indecent images of children, alongside downloading extreme pornography.

Sephton's criminal activities came to light following a detailed investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which led to his arrest in December 2016. During the investigation, authorities seized two mobile phones and a computer from his residence on Maximus Drive in Altrincham. Forensic analysis of these devices uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images, some classified in the most severe category of child abuse material. The evidence also revealed that Sephton had actively searched for and downloaded these illicit images, engaging in conversations with others involved in similar criminal activities through chat applications.

The court heard that Sephton was involved in online groups dedicated to sharing child abuse images, and he had exchanged messages with another former Conservative councillor, Richard Willis, who is based in Lincolnshire. In one exchange, Sephton inquired about the age of a child, asking, “How old is he?” Willis responded, “About 14,” to which Sephton replied, “Yum – any younger?” These exchanges highlight the disturbing nature of their communications and the extent of their involvement in such illegal activities.

Both men, who previously served as town councillors in Sleaford, were arrested as part of the NCA operation. Willis, aged 51, was sentenced in June of the previous year after admitting to making and sharing indecent images. Following Sephton's arrest, he was suspended from both the Conservative Party and his teaching position at Westmorland Primary School in Stockport. Parents of children at the school were informed of his detention through official letters, and the school took immediate steps to address the situation.

Sephton’s trial at Minshull Street Crown Court lasted five days, culminating in a conviction on multiple counts. He was found guilty of five counts related to indecent images of children, including categories A, B, and C, as well as possession of extreme pornography and possession of 106 indecent images. Additionally, he was convicted of distributing six indecent images. The judge described Sephton’s descent into criminality as “spectacular,” emphasizing the severity of his actions and the betrayal of trust inherent in his roles as both a teacher and a public servant.

During the proceedings, Sephton attempted to shift blame onto a man he referred to only as ‘Tom,’ claiming to have met him in Manchester’s Gay Village and to have had an ‘ad-lib’ relationship. Prosecutors dismissed this account as a fabrication, describing ‘Tom’ as a ‘mythical’ figure. Under cross-examination, Sephton’s story unraveled, and it was revealed that he did not disclose the existence of ‘Tom’ to police until October of the following year—more than ten months after his initial arrest.

Following his conviction, it is understood that Sephton has not renewed his membership with the Conservative Party. The process to formally remove him as a councillor at Trafford Council is set to commence shortly. As part of his sentence, Sephton will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, and it is anticipated that he will soon be dismissed from his teaching role by Stockport Council. His actions have not only led to legal consequences but also to a significant fall from grace, as highlighted by Jude Angela Neil, who remarked on the public and personal impact of his crimes.

Sephton’s criminal record includes convictions for making 849 category A indecent images, 722 category B images, and 2,111 category C images of children, along with possession of extreme pornography and distribution of indecent images. His case underscores the ongoing fight against child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes.