MATTHEW ROGERS SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS IN PRISON AFTER MULTIPLE INDECENT EXPOSURES IN BASILDON AND CHELMSFORD

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several months, Matthew Rogers, a man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to six months in prison following his repeated acts of indecent exposure in the towns of Chelmsford and Basildon. The latest offense occurred at a youth hostel, where Rogers was staying under a court-ordered community supervision arrangement.

Initially, Rogers had been given a three-year community order after being convicted of three counts of outraging public decency. These offenses included exposing himself and masturbating in the Chelmsford city library and at Bunny Walks, a well-known public area in the city. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to reside temporarily in a hostel in Basildon, where he was supposed to receive support and supervision to help him reintegrate into society.

However, Rogers' behavior did not improve. On August 29, while alone with a female staff member at the Basildon hostel, he exposed himself once again. This act prompted his re-sentencing, which took place at Chelmsford Crown Court. During the hearing on September 30, Judge David Turner expressed his strong disapproval of Rogers' conduct. He stated, “At three weeks and a little bit more after I imposed that sentence you were exposing yourself to a worker appointed by the public to try to deliver services on behalf of the probation to try to help you. It was despicable and disgraceful conduct, distressing for the worker concerned and inexplicable given your situation.”

Judge Turner emphasized that Rogers' repeated offenses left no choice but to revoke his previous community order and impose a custodial sentence. The court heard that Rogers had previously been sentenced for similar offenses, including exposing himself and masturbating in front of a teenage girl at the Chelmsford library on April 4. During police interviews, Rogers admitted to further offenses committed on May 10 at the same library and on May 14 at Bunny Walks.

In light of these repeated violations and the recent incident at the Basildon hostel, the judge handed Rogers a six-month prison sentence. The pre-sentence report described Rogers' behavior as “thoroughly depressing,” and it was recommended that half of his sentence be served on license. Additionally, Rogers, who appeared at the hearing dressed in a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, was ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register for five years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Rogers' case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the challenges of managing repeat offenders involved in indecent exposure and related crimes, especially when such acts occur in public and semi-public spaces like libraries and hostels.