MICHAEL MATTHEWS SEX OFFENDER FROM BATH DEMANDS TO STAY DESPITE FAMILY'S PLEA

In June 2009, a family from Bath publicly voiced their concerns and frustration over the presence of a convicted sex offender, Michael Matthews, in their community. The family, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, have called for Matthews to be relocated following a disturbing incident involving their teenage relative.

Michael Matthews, aged 67 and a retired lorry driver, had previously been convicted of serious sexual misconduct. The incident occurred at his residence in Blagdon Park, Bath, where he had invited a teenage girl and her boyfriend into his home. During this visit, Matthews made inappropriate advances by asking the girl, who was under the age of 16, to expose her breasts. This request was part of a series of troubling behaviors that led to his legal prosecution.

In February of that year, Matthews admitted to charges of causing or inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity. As a result, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which included a requirement to attend a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was issued a Sex Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) with no specified time limit, explicitly prohibiting him from having unsupervised contact with children under 16. Furthermore, Matthews was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of five years, marking his status as a registered sex offender.

Despite these legal measures, the family expressed their dissatisfaction with the sentence and the ongoing presence of Matthews in their neighborhood. They have formally requested that the court impose a new order that would require Matthews to relocate away from Bath, aiming to protect their community and prevent further distress.

Mathews appeared in the dock at Bristol Crown Court on a recent Friday, where the Probation Service sought to revoke his existing order. The court heard that the family was living in a state of considerable unhappiness due to Matthews’ refusal to move away. Prosecutor Timothy Hills emphasized the family's distress, stating, “The family live in a state of great unhappiness. He’s refusing to move.” The court's decision on whether to enforce the family’s request remains pending, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about community safety and the management of sex offenders within residential areas.