MATTHEW EGLINTON FROM SURBITON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER GROOMING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LONDON AND PLYMOUTH
| Red Rose Database
Surbiton Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that spans multiple locations, Matthew Eglinton, originally from Surbiton in south west London, has been involved in a serious grooming and sexual abuse incident involving a young girl. The case first came to light in July 2016 when Eglinton, then residing in Surbiton, initiated contact with a 12-year-old girl through Facebook. Despite being aware of her age, he engaged in conversations that quickly took a sinister turn, encouraging her to meet him in his back garden and later in a nearby park. During these clandestine meetings, the girl and Eglinton shared kisses and cuddles, which marked the beginning of a troubling pattern of grooming.
As the relationship progressed, Eglinton's messages became increasingly explicit, containing sexually suggestive content directed at the young girl. The court heard that by late September 2016, the girl’s parents had become suspicious of her nighttime absences and noticed her communication with Eglinton. Confronted with evidence of their daughter’s interactions with him, the parents demanded that Eglinton cease all contact immediately.
Despite these warnings, the grooming continued, and the girl confided in a school staff member about her experiences once she returned to school. This disclosure prompted the involvement of law enforcement authorities. Police officers visited Eglinton’s residence but found that he had already moved out. Subsequently, Eglinton attended a police station voluntarily, where he was arrested and charged with inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.
In August 2017, Eglinton appeared before Kingston Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Eglinton was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.
It was later revealed that by September 2017, Eglinton had relocated to Plymouth, Devon, further complicating the case and highlighting the ongoing concerns about his whereabouts and potential risk to the community.
As the relationship progressed, Eglinton's messages became increasingly explicit, containing sexually suggestive content directed at the young girl. The court heard that by late September 2016, the girl’s parents had become suspicious of her nighttime absences and noticed her communication with Eglinton. Confronted with evidence of their daughter’s interactions with him, the parents demanded that Eglinton cease all contact immediately.
Despite these warnings, the grooming continued, and the girl confided in a school staff member about her experiences once she returned to school. This disclosure prompted the involvement of law enforcement authorities. Police officers visited Eglinton’s residence but found that he had already moved out. Subsequently, Eglinton attended a police station voluntarily, where he was arrested and charged with inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.
In August 2017, Eglinton appeared before Kingston Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Eglinton was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.
It was later revealed that by September 2017, Eglinton had relocated to Plymouth, Devon, further complicating the case and highlighting the ongoing concerns about his whereabouts and potential risk to the community.