MATTHEW NICHOLSON SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN LANCASHIRE
A man named Matthew Nicholson, aged 36, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after committing a serious sexual assault in Lancashire.The incident involved Nicholson attacking a woman while her child was sleeping in an adjacent room, an act that has shocked the local community and prompted a stern judicial response.
According to court reports, Nicholson ignored the woman’s repeated refusals to engage in sexual activity.
Despite her clear and persistent protests, she told him multiple times that she did not want to have sex.
Nevertheless, Nicholson continued with the assault, and the woman described feeling paralyzed with fear and unable to resist as he persisted after she begged him to stop.
The attack took place in her home, where her child was nearby, unaware of the events unfolding.
During the sentencing hearing, The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, addressed Nicholson directly, describing him as a dangerous individual.
The judge imposed an extended sentence comprising six years of custody followed by three years on licence, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the threat Nicholson poses to others.
Judge Altham stated, “You knew her child was in the next room.
Your victim knew she couldn’t fight or cry out, and you knew that.
It is clear you exploited that situation to get what it was you wanted.” He further highlighted that Nicholson was aware of the victim’s distress, noting that she was crying during the assault.
The woman later challenged Nicholson through messages, which the judge interpreted as an admission of guilt, as Nicholson apologized repeatedly and expressed regret, saying he should have listened when she said no.
The judge expressed surprise that Nicholson chose to run a trial despite the overwhelming evidence and the clear nature of his guilt.
He also warned that Nicholson remains a significant risk to other women, given the circumstances of his crime.
To manage this risk, Nicholson will be under the supervision of the Parole Board upon release, with an extended licence period to monitor his behavior.
A particularly aggravating factor, as noted by Judge Altham, was that Nicholson committed this assault with the victim’s child only a wall’s width away, highlighting the calculated and reckless nature of his actions.
In addition to his prison sentence, Nicholson has been ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
He is also subject to a 12-year restraining order designed to prevent any contact with his victim, ensuring her safety and peace of mind moving forward.
