FRANCIS MATTHEWS FROM HIGHLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHROPSHIRE

In December 2006, a disturbing case involving a 66-year-old man from Highley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, culminated in a significant legal sentence. Francis Lawson Matthews was convicted of multiple sexual offences involving young girls and was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for each of the eight counts, with all sentences to be served concurrently.

The charges against Matthews included eight counts of inciting children to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that Matthews had targeted three vulnerable girls, aged between 12 and 15, exploiting their susceptibility and trust. Judge Simon Tonking, presiding over the case at Stafford Crown Court, emphasized that Matthews had not groomed the girls in a traditional sense nor had he used physical coercion. Instead, he exploited their vulnerabilities by offering incentives, including money and a promise of a horse, to lure them into engaging in sexual acts at his residence.

Judge Tonking made it clear that the girls had returned to Matthews' home on multiple occasions, motivated by the incentives he provided. He pointed out that despite their young ages and personal difficulties, the girls were drawn into these acts because of Matthews' manipulative behavior. The judge highlighted that Matthews, a man of mature years, preyed on children who, regardless of their individual circumstances, were inherently vulnerable and susceptible to his abusive advances.

As part of the sentencing, Matthews, who resides on Old Hall Close in Highley, was ordered to register as a sex offender. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was issued, explicitly prohibiting him from having any unsupervised contact with females under the age of 16. These measures aim to prevent any further abuse and protect potential victims in the future.

During the proceedings, Matthews' legal representative, Mrs. Janet Pitt-Lewis, expressed concern about the impact of imprisonment on her client. She stated that Matthews, who was once well regarded within his community, especially in the local horse-racing circles, would find prison life extremely difficult. She noted that Matthews had lost his reputation and that the probation service would likely advise him against returning to his previous community environment.

It is important to note that Matthews had denied all charges throughout the trial. However, after a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court in October, he was found guilty of the offences. The case underscores the serious nature of child sexual exploitation and the importance of justice for vulnerable victims in the community.