MICHAL MATRTAJ CAUGHT IN ST LEONARDS BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS AND SENTENCED AT LEWES CROWN COURT

In February 2021, a disturbing case involving Michal Matrtaj, a 39-year-old Czech national residing on Adam Close in St Leonards, culminated in his appearance before Lewes Crown Court where he faced serious charges related to online child grooming.

Matrtaj was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, a crime that highlights the dangers posed by online predators targeting vulnerable children. The court proceedings revealed that in 2018, the defendant, who worked as a solar panel installer, initiated contact with an online profile he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. His messages were explicitly sexual in nature, clearly indicating his intent to involve the minor in sexual activities.

During the exchange, Matrtaj sent multiple photographs of his naked body, further demonstrating his predatory intentions. He also arranged to meet the supposed child in person, a plan that was thwarted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The group known as 'Decoy Central' had set up the online profile, which was operated by an adult posing as a child to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

When Matrtaj arrived at the designated meeting point, he was confronted by members of 'Decoy Central'. They questioned him about his online activities and subsequently contacted the police with the evidence they had gathered. The authorities responded swiftly, arresting Matrtaj and seizing the evidence pack provided by the paedophile hunters.

At Lewes Crown Court, the judge sentenced him to a 30-month community order. As part of his punishment, Matrtaj was required to attend a Horizon programme and complete a minimum of 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and pay prosecution costs amounting to £425. The court also disqualified him from working with children, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the potential risk he posed to minors.

Earlier in January 2021, Matrtaj had pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate with a person under the age of 16 for sexual gratification. The offence occurred between August 17 and October 28 in Hastings. He was scheduled for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on February 3 and was released on conditional bail pending the hearing.

These events underscore the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators like Michal Matrtaj.