MATTHEW DUTTON FROM CLECKHEATON SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND BOMB THREATS AT LEEDS POLICE HQ

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Matthew Dutton, a 26-year-old resident of Cleckheaton, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being convicted of multiple serious offenses, including the rape of a teenage girl and making threatening communications aimed at police authorities.

On May 20, Dutton engaged in a disturbing series of text messages directed at the police, specifically targeting the Leeds District Police Headquarters located on Elland Road. In these messages, he falsely claimed that a bomb had been planted at the police station, threatening to cause destruction and harm. His messages included alarming statements such as, “There’s a package left in the police station for you to find,” and “it’s near the building dynamite explosive… time’s ticking… you are dead meat.” He also issued highly offensive threats, stating, “you’re a f**king c**t who I will have the pleasure of raping,” demonstrating his intent to intimidate and terrorize law enforcement officials.

Matthew Dutton’s criminal history is extensive, with 14 previous convictions that include sexual assault of men and acts of arson. His criminal record underscores a pattern of violent and threatening behavior that has persisted over the years. Residing on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton, Dutton’s actions on this occasion further exemplified his dangerous and unpredictable nature.

Just over two weeks later, on June 3, Dutton committed a heinous act by raping a 17-year-old girl who was described as particularly vulnerable. The assault took place along the Spen Valley Greenway in Cleckheaton, a location often frequented by local residents. Following his arrest and police interview, Dutton was released on bail, but he continued his campaign of threats and intimidation. He sent additional messages to police officers, including chilling statements such as, “I’ll rape you all like I raped her,” and “welcome to my little game I am going to kill you all but not before I rape every single one of you,” further demonstrating his malicious intent.

During an earlier court hearing, Dutton pleaded guilty to charges related to the bomb hoax, specifically communicating false information with the intent to cause distress or anxiety. He also admitted to sending threatening communications with the purpose of causing fear and alarm. Despite these admissions, he faced a trial for the rape charges, where he was ultimately found guilty of one count of rape. He was acquitted of a second rape charge and two counts of assault by penetration.

At Leeds Crown Court, Recorder Dafydd Enoch QC delivered the sentence, emphasizing the severity of Dutton’s actions and his troubling history. The judge remarked, “You have a horrendous history of threatening the police and of telling them that there are bombs in the police station. It impacts on the way that they are able to help genuinely needy people.”

Matthew Dutton was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison, with half of that time to be served behind bars. His previous criminal record includes a sexual harm prevention order, which was extended to prohibit any contact with his latest victim. Throughout the sentencing hearing, Dutton appeared distressed, holding his head in his hands, while a woman believed to be a relative attempted to leave the courtroom in protest as he was taken into custody.