Newton Aycliffe man jailed for kidnap and attempted sexual assault of girl

NEWTON AYCLIFFE MAN JAILED FOR KIDNAP AND ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF GIRL

A heinous offender, Matthew Hindhaugh, aged 22 from Newton Aycliffe, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a severe criminal case involving kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a teenage girl.

According to reports, Hindhaugh targeted the girl while she was walking in the street.

Although he claimed he was trying to help her by saying she had fallen and hurt her face, evidence proved otherwise.

CCTV footage and witness statements confirmed that he approached her, punched her, and forcibly took her into his home, where he held her down on his bed.

Fortunately, the girl managed to convince him to let her go with the promise to stay silent, then fled and called the police.

Police found her shoe on Hindhaugh’s stairs, linking him to the incident, along with other evidence.

During a search of his residence, officers discovered a 'rape list' of social media influencers, seized a sword, and found that Hindhaugh was wearing a chastity belt, claiming it was to control his urges.

He admitted to multiple charges including kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, strangulation, possession of an offensive weapon, and making indecent images of children from 2015 to 2024.

Hindhaugh was sentenced at Durham Crown Court, received a life-long Sex Offender’s Register order, a restraining order to prevent contact with the victim, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Superintendent Peter Carr of Durham Constabulary highlighted the bravery of the victim and described Hindhaugh as a 'very dangerous predator' whose actions were utterly contemptible, expressing hope that the sentence will provide some comfort to the victim and community.