MATTHEW MATTHIASON'S CRIMINAL REIGN IN BLACKBURN AND BLACKPOOL: SEX OFFENDER'S SHOCKING OFFENSES REVEALED
On May 16, 2025, a disturbing case unfolded involving Matthew Matthiason, a registered sex offender whose criminal activities have spanned several years and multiple locations, including Blackburn and Blackpool.The latest incident saw him sentenced to a 10-month prison term at Preston Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession of a paedophile manual and failure to comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Matthiason, aged 39, was previously convicted for making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, a crime that marked him as a serious threat to the community.
His criminal record also includes breaching notification orders and possessing illegal material.
The police confirmed that he had been using multiple aliases, which he had not registered with authorities, in direct violation of his legal obligations as a sex offender.
The arrest took place in April, when Lancashire Police officers executed a search warrant at his residence.
During the search, they discovered a book explicitly describing methods of sexually abusing children, which he had created himself.
This discovery was particularly alarming, given his prior convictions and the nature of the material.
Following his arrest, authorities emphasized their ongoing commitment to monitoring sex offenders within the community and assured the public that they would take swift action against any breaches of court-imposed restrictions.
Police spokespersons stated, “We will fully investigate any concerns or safeguarding issues which are raised,” underscoring their vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations from individuals like Matthiason.
Historical context reveals a pattern of disturbing behavior.
In July 2020, authorities uncovered a cache of child-related materials in a Blackpool hostel where Matthiason was staying.
The items included indecent images, baby magazines, clothing, teething rings, anime books, and drawings depicting sexual abuse of children.
At that time, he was 34 years old and had a long history of offenses.
He admitted to possessing indecent images, prohibited images, and breaching court orders.
His sentence was 28 months in prison, and he was placed on a lifelong Sex Offender Register in 2014 after repeatedly violating court orders designed to prevent him from viewing such material.
Judge Simon Newell, presiding over that case, highlighted the severity of his offenses, stating, “The materials don’t in themselves constitute an offense but are indicative of what has been admitted—a substantial, long-standing, deeply embedded sexual interest in children.” The judge further emphasized that Matthiason’s behavior demonstrated a persistent pattern of offending, despite previous sentences and court orders.
He pointed out the horrifying reality that thousands of children worldwide could be victims of abuse, with their images circulating online, facilitated by offenders like Matthiason.
In October 2018, Matthiason was again in trouble for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
He was caught using public computers at Blackburn Library, despite strict restrictions that prohibited him from using electronic devices without the ability for authorities to monitor his internet activity.
Police found a library card and a note referencing a “26-inch doll,” which raised further concerns.
Although initially denying the use of library computers, he later admitted to setting up a Facebook profile and attempting to create a CV.
His repeated breaches led to his being returned to prison, and the court noted his long history of making and possessing indecent images, with each SOPO becoming progressively more restrictive.
In August 2017, authorities discovered disturbing images on devices seized from Matthiason during a police raid.
The images depicted children as young as six months being subjected to sexual acts.
He was convicted of making indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The police confirmed that he had failed to hand over devices when requested, and the content found was described as “disturbing and extreme.” His continued inability to comply with court orders and his persistent access to illegal material underscore the ongoing threat he poses to society.
Throughout his criminal history, Matthew Matthiason has demonstrated a pattern of offending that spans over a decade, involving multiple breaches of court orders, possession of illegal images, and creation of explicit material.
His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant monitoring and swift judicial action to protect children and the community at large from individuals with a long history of sexual offenses.