ANDREW MATTLESS FROM WISBECH JAILED FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL IMAGE OFFENCES

In a significant development in the fight against child and animal exploitation, Andrew Mattless, a 39-year-old resident of Wisbech, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to indecent images of children and animals. The case has drawn considerable attention from the local community and highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in organizations working with young people.

Mattless's criminal activities came to light after investigations revealed that he had been involved in the possession and creation of highly offensive indecent images. The charges, which date back to April 24 of the previous year, include the possession of 112 extreme animal pornography images and over 250 images depicting child abuse. Specifically, he was found to have possessed 86 indecent images of children and to have created 173 indecent images of minors. Among these, four images were classified at level five, indicating the most severe and disturbing category of such material.

Further details of the case disclosed that Mattless also possessed an extreme image depicting an act of intercourse on an animal, as well as 111 extreme pornographic images of a person performing oral sex on an animal. These findings underscore the severity of his offenses and the disturbing nature of his crimes.

Community members, particularly parents, expressed their outrage and concern over Mattless’s activities. One mother, who has three children, recounted her decision to withdraw her son from the Wisbech Sea Cadets after her suspicions about Mattless’s past cautions for indecent images and common assault on a child were ignored by the organization. She explained that Mattless had been involved with the cadets for three years without undergoing a CRB check, and despite raising her concerns last September, no action was taken at the time.

She further revealed that Mattless appeared in the newspaper in September regarding these latest charges, yet he still participated in the Remembrance Day service in November, even driving a minibus to a fire station trip as the only adult responsible for the children. Her frustration was compounded when she reported her concerns to the cadets’ safeguarding officer, only to be told that her claims were slander and that there was no issue. She emphasized the importance of protecting children, stating, “You cannot get innocence back.”

Another mother, who has four boys, shared her own distress after pulling her 11-year-old son out of the cadets following an incident where Mattless drove him home alone and unattended from a summer gala day. She recounted that a neighbor had informed her of Mattless’s previous caution for child-related offenses, raising doubts about his trustworthiness. Despite assurances from the cadets that he had been checked and was safe, her concerns persisted.

In response to these events, the Sea Cadets organization issued a statement confirming that once they became aware of the charges against Mattless, he was asked to cease his involvement with the organization. A spokesperson emphasized the charity’s commitment to safeguarding, stating, “The charity takes its duty of care to young people very seriously and has strict policies and procedures in place to protect them. We have clear expectations of those placed in a position of trust and do not tolerate behaviour which harms young people, places them at risk of harm or breaches the trust placed upon them.”

It was also confirmed that Mattless is no longer a member of the Sea Cadets and is prohibited from participating in any of their activities or entering their premises. The police, represented by a Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, highlighting the seriousness of Mattless’s actions. The officer stated, “Mattless deliberately forged a letter in an effort to gain access to children and we’re pleased the court has recognised the danger he poses. Possessing indecent images is not a victimless crime as it fuels the abuse of children. This case should send a strong message to those who think it is acceptable to possess such images.”

Overall, the case underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and strict safeguarding measures within organizations working with vulnerable populations, as well as the importance of community awareness and proactive reporting to prevent such offenders from harming others.