DAVID MATTHEWS FROM BATH JAILED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS AGES 11 AND 12

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, David Matthews, a 61-year-old man from Bath, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term at Bristol Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The crimes, which spanned over several years, involved multiple instances of rape and indecent assault, leaving a lasting impact on the victims who were just 11 and 12 years old when the abuse first began in the 1990s.

Matthews was convicted on a total of 12 counts, including 10 counts of indecent assault, one count of attempted rape, and one count of rape. The trial, held in Bristol, revealed the disturbing details of his actions, which he carried out over an extended period, causing profound trauma to the victims. The court's decision resulted in Matthews being sentenced to 11 years and six months behind bars, a punishment deemed appropriate given the severity of his crimes.

Detective Constable Gemma Crew, who led the investigation, expressed her thoughts on the case, stating, “Matthews’ actions have resulted in lifelong consequences for his victims who, more than 20 years on, are still coming to terms with what he did. Now that he is behind bars for a substantial length of time, I hope they feel a sense of justice for the trauma he caused.”

She further emphasized the importance of reporting such offenses, saying, “Both victims showed tremendous courage in talking to us about their experiences, and I hope this conviction will also encourage other victims to come forward and report offences. It doesn’t matter when the assaults happened, where they took place, or who committed them – we will take every report seriously and provide the necessary support.”

The case involved non-recent sexual offenses, with the victims’ suffering dating back to the 1990s. Matthews, who has no fixed address, was linked to the crimes through thorough investigation, which ultimately led to his conviction. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of historical abuse, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable regardless of the passage of time.