MATTHEW HOWELL SENTENCED IN CHESTERFIELD FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Chesterfield community, Matthew Howell has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl.The incident dates back to the mid-1990s in the north east of Derbyshire, where Howell, then only 15 years old, committed a series of disturbing sexual offenses against a child under the age of ten.
According to court records, Howell’s abuse began with seemingly innocent gestures, such as offering sweets and compliments to his young victim.
However, these gestures quickly escalated into more serious acts, including gross indecency and sexual assaults.
The culmination of his crimes was the rape of the girl, which he committed when he was just 15.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, endured a prolonged period of suffering that spanned over a year.
Despite denying the charges initially, Howell was found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court.
The jury convicted him on multiple counts: one of raping a child under 16, two counts of gross indecency with a child under 14, and two counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14.
The court sentenced Howell to six years and nine months in prison.
Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The victim, now in her twenties, bravely came forward to speak about her ordeal.
She initially sought help through counseling before deciding to contact the police.
Her testimony and courage have been instrumental in bringing Howell to justice.
She expressed her relief at finally sharing her story, emphasizing the importance of victims coming forward.
"Telling my mum was a massive relief because it was something that I had carried on my own for many, many years," she said.
She also acknowledged her fears about being believed but was reassured by her mother’s support.
"You just have to bite the bullet and do it because you don’t want to live the rest of your life thinking what if and if you found out he had done it to somebody else, even though you aren’t the guilty party, you just have to do it," she added.
Her journey through the justice system was emotionally taxing, but she praised the police for their professionalism.
"The first time I really opened up about what happened was during my police statement.
But they were really good.
It is a very intense situation but they do what they can to make you feel comfortable," she explained.
Her message to other victims is one of reassurance: they will be believed and supported in seeking justice.
During the period of abuse, Howell manipulated his victim by convincing her that they were in a relationship and that she must keep their secret to prevent him from being stopped.
The abuse persisted for more than a year, leaving lasting emotional scars.
The victim described how, as she grew older, she struggled with her feelings about sexuality, finding herself repulsed by the idea of intimacy and suffering from self-harm.
She detailed ongoing issues such as night terrors, flashbacks, and anxiety, which continue to affect her as an adult.
Her mistrust of men and difficulty forming relationships are direct consequences of her traumatic experiences.
She also shared how her past has impacted her parenting, as she remains vigilant and cautious about her own children’s safety.
"I quiz them all the time about where they have been, who they have been around – even at school," she said.
Her story underscores the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse and the importance of support and justice for victims.
While Howell was not present in court when the verdict was announced, the victim vividly recalls her emotional response.
"It was a bit surreal – I wanted to scream as loud as I could.
It felt like the battles I had through all those years had come to an end," she said.
She described the relief of knowing that the jury found Howell guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
"It was a massive relief and I slept the best I had in years that night," she added.
Her hope now is that the sentencing will allow her to finally close this chapter of her life and begin to rebuild.
"Today’s sentencing will hopefully mean that I can shut this door, finally move on and get my life back together.
He’s stolen enough – it’s time to have my life back."
