MATTHEW HELLIWELL SENTENCED IN CHESTERFIELD FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE BOY
A man from Chesterfield, Matthew Helliwell, aged 36, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy on three separate occasions.The case was heard at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, October 4, where the court heard harrowing details of the abuse and the impact it had on the victim, who has now reached adulthood.
During the trial, the victim, who chose to face his abuser in court, delivered a powerful statement.
He expressed that he finally found closure through the proceedings, stating, "I have got closure from people listening to me." The victim recounted that the abuse began when he was between 13 and 14 years old.
He revealed that he was diagnosed with depression last year and has been on medication to manage his mental health struggles.
The young man described the emotional toll the abuse has taken on him, sharing that his mental health has suffered significantly over the past two years.
He explained that the trauma was compounded when his family discovered what had happened, intensifying his suffering.
The victim reflected on the confusing and painful experience of being manipulated by an adult he looked up to, saying, "It all started when I was 13 to 14 years old.
I was diagnosed with depression last year and have been given medication to help...I don't think anyone should have to go through this." He also shared that there are moments when he feels like his old, happy self, but other times he is overwhelmed with grief, crying himself to sleep as he faces the memories of the abuse.
Despite the pain, the victim expressed a sense of resilience, stating, "This experience has made me realise how strong I am.
It made me feel I can take control of my life and move on.
I got closure from people listening to me." He emphasized that he was a child at the time of the abuse and that the perpetrator, Helliwell, was an adult man, which made the betrayal even more devastating.
In mitigation, the court was informed by Laura Marshall, representing Helliwell, that he had no prior criminal record.
She presented a report from a doctor to the court, indicating that there were no significant concerns about Helliwell’s mental state or behavior.
Marshall explained to Judge Jeremy Richardson KC that the delays in the legal process were not Helliwell’s fault, noting that he was first interviewed in 2020 but only appeared in court in September 2022.
She highlighted that Helliwell had been making positive progress while in custody and was eager to learn his fate, though he remained anxious.
It was also disclosed that Helliwell’s partner had tragically taken their own life last year, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the case.
After considering all the evidence, Judge Richardson sentenced Helliwell to seven years in prison.
The judge described the acts as individual and isolated, occurring when the victim was a young adolescent and Helliwell was in his early 30s.
The judge noted that Helliwell appeared to have had an infatuation or certain feelings for the victim, which he exploited.
The court acknowledged that the victim’s feelings were reciprocated, leading to the sexual abuse on three separate occasions.
Judge Richardson also referenced a psychiatric report, stating that Helliwell had made a serious suicide attempt at court following his conviction.
The judge emphasized that there was an element of grooming and a breach of trust involved in the case.
Although the misconduct was repeated, it was not ongoing over many months, but rather on three distinct occasions.
Furthermore, the judge imposed a restraining order preventing Helliwell from contacting the victim for ten years and mandated indefinite notification requirements to monitor his whereabouts and activities.
The court’s decision underscores the severity of the breach of trust and the lasting impact of the abuse on the victim.
