WREXHAM ROOFER MATTHEW ALI SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRL IN WREXHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Wrexham, Matthew Ali, a 29-year-old roofer residing in Pentre Gwyn, was convicted of heinous sexual offences involving a vulnerable schoolgirl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming, coercion, and exploitation that spanned over a period of time, culminating in a sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes.

Ali was found guilty of raping the young girl, who was only 13 at the time, and engaging in various sexual activities with her when she was 14. The incident that led to the initial charge involved a sexual encounter behind a community centre, which the girl initially consented to but later changed her mind about. Despite her refusal, Ali continued with the act and paid her £20 for her participation. The court heard that Ali had befriended the girl, who was dressed in her school uniform, and had taken an inappropriate interest in her, which was evident from his actions and remarks.

Judge Philip Hughes, presiding over the case at Mold Crown Court, described Ali as a significant risk to young girls and emphasized the danger he posed to the community. The judge sentenced Ali to 11 years in prison, a sentence that underscores the gravity of his offences. Additionally, Ali was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, and his license was extended by four years upon release to ensure ongoing supervision and protection of the public.

The court detailed how Ali had initiated contact with the girl through social media platforms, including Facebook, where he became friends with her and obtained her mobile number. It was revealed that Ali had contacted her an astonishing 1,781 times via phone calls and messages, persuading her to engage in sexual acts and paying her for her compliance. The prosecution highlighted that the girl, described as vulnerable and naive, was coerced into prostituting herself for Ali’s benefit. The judge pointed out that Ali, being twice her age, exploited her financial hardship and naivety, which made her susceptible to his manipulation.

During the trial, it was disclosed that Ali had pressured the girl into sending a sexually explicit photograph, threatening to post it online if she refused to have sex with him. The girl was paid between £10 and £20 for various sexual acts behind the community centre, and in one instance, Ali took her to a friend’s flat while the friend was hospitalized, where further sexual activity occurred. The girl, overwhelmed and distressed, later attempted to take her own life and confided in a hospital nurse about the abuse she endured.

Ali denied all allegations, claiming he had no sexual contact with the girl and that someone else might have used his phone or impersonated him. Despite his denials, police investigations uncovered extensive evidence, including numerous contacts, deleted messages, and Facebook exchanges that contradicted his claims. The prosecution presented evidence of Ali’s persistent communication and coercive tactics, which included threats and manipulation.

In his defense, Ali’s lawyer argued that he had no prior sexual convictions and no pattern of offending, asserting that he had maintained good conduct in the past. However, the court was unpersuaded, and Ali was remanded in custody pending sentencing, with a pre-sentence report to determine whether he should be classified as a dangerous offender. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Wrexham, highlighting the dangers posed by predators who exploit vulnerable young people for their own gratification.