MATTHEW HORROCKS FROM ACOMB JAILED FOR SEXUAL ENCOURAGEMENT OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN YORK

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Matthew Gareth Horrocks, aged 30, from Viking Road in Acomb, was sentenced to prison for his involvement in encouraging a young girl to engage in sexual activities. The incident came to light after a series of over 2,000 text messages exchanged between Horrocks and the girl, most of which contained sexually explicit content. The court heard that Horrocks and the girl met in a secluded location where he carried out a sexual act with her, an act that has now led to his conviction.

York Crown Court was informed that the police uncovered the extent of Horrocks' misconduct when they found the incriminating messages on his device. Following this discovery, he was promptly arrested and charged. Horrocks pleaded guilty to charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and to having sexual contact with a minor. His sentencing resulted in a prison term of two years and four months.

In addition to his imprisonment, the court imposed several strict measures to prevent future offenses. Horrocks was banned from working with children, placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, and issued a sexual offences prevention order. The judge, Recorder of York Judge Stephen Ashurst, delivered a stern warning, stating, “It is quite clear you were playing out a fantasy world in which you were encouraging her to take part in all sorts of activities. Some of the activity involved degrading things.”

The court also revealed that Horrocks had a problematic sexual history and had explicitly expressed his desire for full sexual intercourse with the girl. The case was further complicated by the fact that the girl had initially presented herself as being 18 on an internet platform, but soon after contact was established, she disclosed her true age of 13. This detail was highlighted by the prosecution, with Christopher Attwooll emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

In a separate incident dating back to July 2007, Horrocks, then 24, was involved in a different troubling behavior pattern. He was found guilty of repeatedly taunting women in the village of New Earswick with inappropriate and suggestive comments. Prosecutor Ann Darwin explained that Horrocks would often call out to women walking alone in the dark, causing them significant distress. His targets included a 17-year-old woman, who became so frightened that she avoided leaving her home, and a 12-year-old girl who was so upset by his actions that she returned home in tears. The young girl was on her way to school at the time of the incidents, which mostly occurred while Horrocks was riding his bicycle.

Mrs. Darwin pointed out that all the victims were women or girls, often in the late evening or early morning hours, and that Horrocks’ behavior was consistently unsettling. His comments included phrases like “Hi, sexy,” “Morning darling, blow me a kiss,” and “Hi gorgeous, come here.” The police had to intervene after they set up plainclothes patrols in the area. On January 28, they tracked him down after the 17-year-old victim recognized him and, along with her stepfather, followed him until his arrest.

The impact of Horrocks’ actions was evident in the reactions of the victims’ families, who responded to his arrest with smiles and laughter, indicating relief. During the court proceedings, his defense attorney, Simon Nellar, claimed that Horrocks’ comments were merely an attempt at flirtation, describing them as his “chat-up” technique. Nellar emphasized that no threats or physical approaches were made and that Horrocks had not realized how his behavior was perceived.

Since his arrest, Horrocks has ceased his inappropriate conduct and voluntarily moved away from the area to live with his parents in Acomb. The police’s efforts to apprehend him involved covert operations, which proved successful. The court noted that only ten incidents involving five women or girls had been linked to Horrocks, but the distress caused was significant enough to warrant serious legal action.