MATTHEW GILBERT FROM PEMBROKESHIRE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER IN PEMBROKE DOCK
A judge has publicly expressed concern about the dangerous nature of Matthew Gilbert, a man from Pembrokeshire, after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy on a bus in Pembroke Dock.The court heard that Gilbert, aged 39 and residing on Water Street in Pembroke Dock, was sentenced to 16 months in prison following his guilty plea to the charge of sexual assault.
During the sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards emphasized the serious risk Gilbert poses to young boys within the community.
She stated, “You knew that this was clearly wrong.
You are a significant risk in the community to young boys.” Her words underscored the gravity of his actions and the potential danger he represents.
Prosecutor Craig Jones provided a detailed account of the incident, which took place on the morning of September 28 last year.
Gilbert boarded a bus at Pembroke Dock and proceeded to sit at the back, where a 17-year-old was seated.
The teenager, seeking to avoid interaction, put his feet up, signaling a desire to be left alone.
Despite this, Gilbert sat directly opposite him and immediately initiated conversation.
According to Mr.
Jones, Gilbert then asked the teenager how much money it would take for him to perform a sexual act with a man.
He moved closer to the teenager, effectively blocking the aisle and trapping him in his seat.
Gilbert inquired about the teenager’s age, to which he responded that he was 15.
Gilbert then offered him £40 to engage in a sexual act, later increasing the offer to £100.
Gilbert’s behavior escalated as he moved next to the teenager, placing his hand on the young man’s thigh and kissing him on the cheek.
He then suggested they get off the bus at Johnston and find a public toilet, implying further sexual activity.
When the bus stopped, Gilbert disembarked, but the teenager chose to remain on the bus and subsequently contacted the police.
Gilbert was arrested later that day while visiting his mother in hospital.
During his arrest, he admitted to officers, “Since mum has been in here I’ve been doing stupid things again,” indicating a recognition of his troubled state.
It was also revealed that Gilbert has a history of previous convictions.
In October 2023, he was convicted of exposure after being seen masturbating behind a glazed front door in Pembroke Dock.
Additionally, in June, he was convicted of malicious communications for making unwanted sexual comments during phone calls to the fire station.
In mitigation, Ryan Bowen acknowledged Gilbert’s recent criminal record but emphasized that he has led most of his life without legal issues.
Bowen suggested that Gilbert suffers from underlying issues, including a lower cognitive function, and that his sexual preoccupations are likely worsened by boredom and a lack of routine.
As part of his sentence, Gilbert was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the need for ongoing monitoring of his behavior.
