SHERBURN-IN-ELMET RAPISTS ROBERT MATTHEWS AND DANIEL HOLROYD SENTENCED TO 29 YEARS FOR GANG RAPE
| Red Rose Database
Sherburn-in-Elmet N/A Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Sherburn-in-Elmet and the surrounding areas, two men, Robert Matthews and Daniel Holroyd, have been sentenced to a combined total of 29 years in prison for their involvement in a brutal gang rape of a teenage girl. The incident, which took place in November 2021, was described during the court proceedings as a degrading and humiliating assault that left the victim emotionally and physically scarred.
According to the court, Robert Harold Matthews, aged 36, showed a complete disregard for the victim’s pleas for mercy. Despite her screams and protests, Matthews continued to assault her, ignoring her cries for help and repeatedly telling her “no.” The court heard that Matthews’s actions were not only violent but also deeply callous, as he kept the girl in a state of terror throughout the ordeal. The assault took place at Matthews’s residence in Meadow View, Sherburn-in-Elmet, where he and Holroyd, aged 32, took turns in the attack, with the two men changing places multiple times during the assault.
Daniel John Holroyd, who had no prior acquaintance with the girl, was fully involved in the attack. The court was told that both men had been under the influence of cocaine at the time, which contributed to their reckless and violent behavior. The victim suffered ongoing internal injuries as a result of the assault, but her fear prevented her from seeking medical attention, leaving her to endure her injuries in silence.
During the sentencing, Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, emphasized the severity and depravity of the crime. He stated, “It wasn’t so much about your own pleasure. You were humiliating her and degrading her, taking turns and turnabout. It was a deeply unpleasant and extreme form of rape.” The judge also highlighted that both men’s drug use played a role in their actions, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
The victim, in a heartfelt personal statement read aloud in court, described the profound impact the assault has had on her life. She expressed feelings of betrayal and vulnerability, stating, “One of the worst things is feeling I was really taken advantage of. I feel like this has ruined my life. I feel like I cannot trust people now. I am scared now of new relationships. I don’t want to give people a chance. I am scared this will happen again.” She also revealed that she suffers from daily flashbacks, nightmares—including visions of Matthews breaking into her home—and is now battling depression and anxiety. Her fear of being alone has worsened her mental health, and she struggles with the aftermath of the attack.
Both Matthews, of Meadow View, Sherburn-in-Elmet, and Holroyd, of Ebor Court, Selby, denied the charges of two rapes each. However, after an eight-hour jury deliberation, they were found guilty on all counts unanimously. Matthews showed visible distress as he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, holding his face in his hand, while Holroyd was visibly emotional, tears in his eyes, as he was led away to serve a 14-year sentence.
In addition to their prison terms, both men will be registered as sex offenders for life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. They will not be eligible for release until they have served at least two-thirds of their respective sentences, ensuring that they remain under supervision for a significant period after their incarceration.
According to the court, Robert Harold Matthews, aged 36, showed a complete disregard for the victim’s pleas for mercy. Despite her screams and protests, Matthews continued to assault her, ignoring her cries for help and repeatedly telling her “no.” The court heard that Matthews’s actions were not only violent but also deeply callous, as he kept the girl in a state of terror throughout the ordeal. The assault took place at Matthews’s residence in Meadow View, Sherburn-in-Elmet, where he and Holroyd, aged 32, took turns in the attack, with the two men changing places multiple times during the assault.
Daniel John Holroyd, who had no prior acquaintance with the girl, was fully involved in the attack. The court was told that both men had been under the influence of cocaine at the time, which contributed to their reckless and violent behavior. The victim suffered ongoing internal injuries as a result of the assault, but her fear prevented her from seeking medical attention, leaving her to endure her injuries in silence.
During the sentencing, Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, emphasized the severity and depravity of the crime. He stated, “It wasn’t so much about your own pleasure. You were humiliating her and degrading her, taking turns and turnabout. It was a deeply unpleasant and extreme form of rape.” The judge also highlighted that both men’s drug use played a role in their actions, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
The victim, in a heartfelt personal statement read aloud in court, described the profound impact the assault has had on her life. She expressed feelings of betrayal and vulnerability, stating, “One of the worst things is feeling I was really taken advantage of. I feel like this has ruined my life. I feel like I cannot trust people now. I am scared now of new relationships. I don’t want to give people a chance. I am scared this will happen again.” She also revealed that she suffers from daily flashbacks, nightmares—including visions of Matthews breaking into her home—and is now battling depression and anxiety. Her fear of being alone has worsened her mental health, and she struggles with the aftermath of the attack.
Both Matthews, of Meadow View, Sherburn-in-Elmet, and Holroyd, of Ebor Court, Selby, denied the charges of two rapes each. However, after an eight-hour jury deliberation, they were found guilty on all counts unanimously. Matthews showed visible distress as he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, holding his face in his hand, while Holroyd was visibly emotional, tears in his eyes, as he was led away to serve a 14-year sentence.
In addition to their prison terms, both men will be registered as sex offenders for life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. They will not be eligible for release until they have served at least two-thirds of their respective sentences, ensuring that they remain under supervision for a significant period after their incarceration.