MATTHEW THRAVES GROOMS 14-YEAR-OLD IN HOCKLEY: HEAVY METAL SINGER AVOIDS JAIL TIME
| Red Rose Database
Hockley Child Sexual Abuser
In January 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Matthew Thraves, a heavy metal singer from Hockley, who was found to have engaged in inappropriate and illegal communications with a 14-year-old girl. The case highlighted serious concerns about grooming and online exploitation, raising questions about the safety of minors in digital spaces.
Matthew Thraves, residing on Chestnut Close in Hockley, admitted to engaging in conversations with the young girl over a period spanning from November 2015 to January of the following year. These communications included not only online messages but also text messages, during which Thraves displayed an alarming and unhealthy interest in underage girls. The court heard that he had downloaded nearly 200 indecent images of children, further underscoring the severity of his actions.
Prosecutor Peter Gair outlined the details of the case, revealing that Thraves initially met the girl on a bus in Hockley before initiating contact through social media platforms. Over time, their interactions became increasingly inappropriate, with Thraves sending sexually explicit messages and requesting photographs of the girl in her underwear. The girl later told police that she was initially cautious but perceived the messages as a compliment, which led her to continue engaging with him.
Mr. Gair emphasized that Thraves was well aware of the girl’s age and was actively seeking to meet her for sexual activity. The court was informed that Thraves had a known interest in “schoolgirl porn,” which he often searched for on the dark web. Despite her discomfort at first, the girl eventually felt pressured to meet Thraves, as she ran out of excuses and sought advice from her friends. When she confided in Thraves about police involvement, he responded by urging her to delete all evidence of their communication.
During the hearing, Matthew Bone, representing Thraves, argued that his client still harbored hopes of achieving musical success with his punk metal band and expressed remorse for his actions. Bone acknowledged that Thraves was the adult in the situation and that the girl was a victim. He emphasized that Thraves recognized he had made a grave mistake and should never have engaged in such conduct.
Judge Ian Pugh addressed the court, noting that although Thraves had groomed the girl, he could be spared immediate imprisonment because the planned meeting did not occur. Instead, Thraves was sentenced to two years in prison for the communication offenses and an additional four months for possessing indecent images, with both sentences to run concurrently. The sentence was suspended for 24 months, meaning Thraves would not serve time unless he reoffends.
Furthermore, Thraves was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service and to sign the sex offender’s register for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing need for monitoring and rehabilitation.
Matthew Thraves, residing on Chestnut Close in Hockley, admitted to engaging in conversations with the young girl over a period spanning from November 2015 to January of the following year. These communications included not only online messages but also text messages, during which Thraves displayed an alarming and unhealthy interest in underage girls. The court heard that he had downloaded nearly 200 indecent images of children, further underscoring the severity of his actions.
Prosecutor Peter Gair outlined the details of the case, revealing that Thraves initially met the girl on a bus in Hockley before initiating contact through social media platforms. Over time, their interactions became increasingly inappropriate, with Thraves sending sexually explicit messages and requesting photographs of the girl in her underwear. The girl later told police that she was initially cautious but perceived the messages as a compliment, which led her to continue engaging with him.
Mr. Gair emphasized that Thraves was well aware of the girl’s age and was actively seeking to meet her for sexual activity. The court was informed that Thraves had a known interest in “schoolgirl porn,” which he often searched for on the dark web. Despite her discomfort at first, the girl eventually felt pressured to meet Thraves, as she ran out of excuses and sought advice from her friends. When she confided in Thraves about police involvement, he responded by urging her to delete all evidence of their communication.
During the hearing, Matthew Bone, representing Thraves, argued that his client still harbored hopes of achieving musical success with his punk metal band and expressed remorse for his actions. Bone acknowledged that Thraves was the adult in the situation and that the girl was a victim. He emphasized that Thraves recognized he had made a grave mistake and should never have engaged in such conduct.
Judge Ian Pugh addressed the court, noting that although Thraves had groomed the girl, he could be spared immediate imprisonment because the planned meeting did not occur. Instead, Thraves was sentenced to two years in prison for the communication offenses and an additional four months for possessing indecent images, with both sentences to run concurrently. The sentence was suspended for 24 months, meaning Thraves would not serve time unless he reoffends.
Furthermore, Thraves was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service and to sign the sex offender’s register for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing need for monitoring and rehabilitation.