PAUL MATTHEWS FROM HOLKHAM CAUGHT STALKING AND SEXUALLY ABUSING CHILDREN IN FAKENHAM

In October 2015, a disturbing case involving Paul Matthews, a resident of Park Road, Holkham, came to light after he was convicted of multiple serious offenses related to child exploitation and public decency violations in Fakenham, Norfolk.

According to court reports, Matthews, aged 36, was involved in a series of alarming incidents that culminated in his arrest on June 30, 2015. On that evening, three young girls were walking along a street in Fakenham around 9:30 pm when they noticed a suspicious vehicle—a red Skoda—lurking behind them as it appeared to be kerb-crawling. The girls, understandably frightened by the situation, immediately informed their parents, who then contacted the police to report the incident.

Law enforcement officers responded swiftly and managed to locate the vehicle in question. Upon stopping the car, they discovered Matthews inside, engaged in a solo sexual act. Further investigation revealed that Matthews was in possession of a folding knife with a blade exceeding three inches in length, which raised additional concerns about his intentions and safety.

During a subsequent search of Matthews’s vehicle and personal belongings, police found a mobile phone containing multiple indecent images and videos of children. These findings confirmed the suspicions of the authorities regarding Matthews’s involvement in child exploitation activities.

Mathews was taken into custody and later appeared before Norwich Crown Court. In September 2015, he pleaded guilty to several charges, including outraging public decency, stalking, possessing a bladed article in a public place, and possessing indecent images of children. His guilty plea marked a significant step in the case, leading to his sentencing in October.

On the day of sentencing, Matthews was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. The court’s decision underscored the severity of his offenses and the threat posed to the community, especially to vulnerable children. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in protecting minors from predatory behavior.