MATTHEW PARKINSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BAMBER BRIDGE

In October 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Matthew Parkinson, a 27-year-old man from Bamber Bridge, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in a public park. The incident occurred in June 2019, when Parkinson was actively evading law enforcement due to a breach of his prison license conditions, making his actions even more alarming.

According to the prosecution, Emma Keogh, the victim and her friend had initially planned to stay at a female friend's house that evening. However, their plans were disrupted when the girl's grandmother discovered their intentions to visit a male friend's residence, leading to the girls being left stranded on the streets near Bamber Bridge Park.

While wandering in the area, the girls encountered Parkinson and another man. The men approached them, requesting cigarette papers to roll a joint. After smoking the drugs, the other man decided to leave, leaving Parkinson and the girls alone. Parkinson was known to have been living in a tent behind the Matalan store in Bamber Bridge, which he referred to as his camp.

The court heard that Parkinson engaged the girls in conversation, discussing their activities and personal details. He was aware that the girl was a schoolchild and knew her school details. He then invited them to sit near his tent, where he claimed to know her home address and expressed concern that he might tell her parents if she refused.

Parkinson also mentioned that he was wanted by the police and pulled his hoodie over his head, creating an intimidating atmosphere. During this time, he offered the girls a drink, further establishing a manipulative environment. As the other girl fell asleep, Parkinson turned his attention to the victim, covering her with a blanket and beginning to touch her inappropriately.

The girl, frightened and aware of the danger, tried to push his hand away but was subjected to continued groping and unwanted kisses. The assault escalated into a more serious sexual act lasting approximately five minutes, after which Parkinson engaged in self-pleasure. The victim's friend awoke during this ordeal, and the girl pretended she needed to use the toilet to escape. She confided in her friend about what had happened in the woods, but due to the early hour—around 4 am—and their lack of safe options, they returned to sit at the tent for a while longer.

When her friend fell asleep again, the victim pretended to receive a phone call from a male friend coming to meet them. Parkinson, however, refused to allow anyone else at the tent and groped her again as they prepared to leave. The girls then climbed over a fence to escape, but Parkinson assaulted her once more.

The girl did not disclose the assault until she returned to school on the following Monday, where she confided in a staff member. This led to police involvement, and her parents were informed. Parkinson was subsequently arrested, initially denying the allegations. However, DNA evidence recovered from a piece of clothing linked him to the crimes. He later admitted to three counts of sexually assaulting a child and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

In a poignant statement, the girl’s mother described her daughter as having changed profoundly since the incident. She revealed that her daughter had been bullied and called a liar at school after Parkinson initially denied the offences. The girl has also experienced behavioral issues and has expressed thoughts of self-harm.

Judge David Potter addressed the court, emphasizing that Parkinson’s pleas indicated he had been dishonest from the start and that the assault was both sustained and serious. The judge highlighted the aggravating factors, including the significant age disparity and Parkinson’s false claims about his age. He acknowledged the profound distress caused to the victim and sentenced Parkinson to four years in prison. Additionally, Parkinson was ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.