MATTHEW BERRY FROM BURGESS HILL JAILED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

A resident of Burgess Hill has been sentenced to a prison term of three years and seven months after being found guilty of serious crimes involving a minor. The individual, identified as Matthew Berry, engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl whom he had initially connected with through online platforms.

Over an extended period, Berry employed manipulative and coercive tactics to exploit the young girl, despite being warned by authorities to cease such behavior. His actions demonstrated a calculated effort to manipulate and control the victim, causing significant emotional and psychological harm.

The court heard that Berry’s conduct was persistent and breached multiple police warnings issued to him, highlighting a blatant disregard for legal boundaries and the safety of minors. His actions led to the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which was made indefinite, restricting his contact with minors and aiming to prevent any further harm.

In addition to his prison sentence, Berry was placed on the sex offender register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities to protect the community. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about online grooming and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable young individuals from exploitation and abuse.