ANDREW MATTHEWS FROM BECCLES CAUGHT WITH THOUSANDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN POLICE RAID
| Red Rose Database
Beccles Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Beccles, Suffolk, Andrew Matthews, a 46-year-old former teacher, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after authorities uncovered a vast collection of illegal images on his personal devices. The investigation was triggered after police executed a search warrant at Matthews' residence on Darby Road, following a series of online activities that raised serious concerns about his involvement in the possession and distribution of child exploitation material.
According to court records, Matthews had pleaded guilty to three charges related to the creation of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, as well as a charge of attempting to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a minor. The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where the judge expressed grave concerns about Matthews' actions and intentions.
The case revealed that Matthews had engaged in online conversations with an individual he believed was based in Gambia, via Skype. Prosecutor Nicola May detailed the nature of these communications, stating, “There was a discussion about how a child could be persuaded to pose for naked pictures.” During these exchanges, Matthews reportedly offered to fund an apartment and even suggested he was willing to travel to Gambia to meet with the individual, indicating a disturbing level of intent. One message explicitly stated, “If I come, I could meet one,” further underscoring the seriousness of his intentions.
The police investigation took a significant turn when, on June 12, 2017, an indecent image of a child was posted in the chatroom. Using this as evidence, authorities traced Matthews’ IP address and executed a raid on his home the following day. During the search, officers discovered a laptop and a hard drive containing an extensive collection of illegal images. The material included six Category A still images and one Category A moving image, which are classified as the most severe types of child exploitation content. Additionally, the devices held 66 Category B still images, one Category B moving image, and a staggering 2,143 Category C still images. These images were downloaded over a period spanning from February 2012 to June 2017, highlighting a prolonged period of offending.
Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case, expressed his concern about Matthews’ apparent suggestion of taking “the next step” in his criminal behavior. The judge remarked, “To me this is beginning to sound like a person with all the hallmarks of a recidivist with an insatiable desire for sexual images of children.” He further stated that Matthews demonstrated a clear sexual interest in young children and had an ongoing intent to acquire more images for his own gratification.
As part of his sentence, Matthews was ordered to complete a 50-day sexual rehabilitation program and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from online predators, with the community of Beccles now grappling with the disturbing details of this case.
According to court records, Matthews had pleaded guilty to three charges related to the creation of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, as well as a charge of attempting to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a minor. The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where the judge expressed grave concerns about Matthews' actions and intentions.
The case revealed that Matthews had engaged in online conversations with an individual he believed was based in Gambia, via Skype. Prosecutor Nicola May detailed the nature of these communications, stating, “There was a discussion about how a child could be persuaded to pose for naked pictures.” During these exchanges, Matthews reportedly offered to fund an apartment and even suggested he was willing to travel to Gambia to meet with the individual, indicating a disturbing level of intent. One message explicitly stated, “If I come, I could meet one,” further underscoring the seriousness of his intentions.
The police investigation took a significant turn when, on June 12, 2017, an indecent image of a child was posted in the chatroom. Using this as evidence, authorities traced Matthews’ IP address and executed a raid on his home the following day. During the search, officers discovered a laptop and a hard drive containing an extensive collection of illegal images. The material included six Category A still images and one Category A moving image, which are classified as the most severe types of child exploitation content. Additionally, the devices held 66 Category B still images, one Category B moving image, and a staggering 2,143 Category C still images. These images were downloaded over a period spanning from February 2012 to June 2017, highlighting a prolonged period of offending.
Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case, expressed his concern about Matthews’ apparent suggestion of taking “the next step” in his criminal behavior. The judge remarked, “To me this is beginning to sound like a person with all the hallmarks of a recidivist with an insatiable desire for sexual images of children.” He further stated that Matthews demonstrated a clear sexual interest in young children and had an ongoing intent to acquire more images for his own gratification.
As part of his sentence, Matthews was ordered to complete a 50-day sexual rehabilitation program and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from online predators, with the community of Beccles now grappling with the disturbing details of this case.