MATTHEW SHERWOOD CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER FROM WORCESTER APPEARS OUTSIDE COURT
Matthew Sherwood was escorted by supporters outside Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, hidden behind three individuals as he headed towards the police station to register as a sex offender.He was wearing a baseball cap and a Covid mask at the time.
We can now reveal his face—the convicted sex offender who attempted to contact girls online.
Last week, it was reported that Sherwood, 37, of Mandalay Drive, Norton, Worcester, admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, as well as attempting to incite a child to sexual activity, and possessing indecent images of children.
At the hearing, Sherwood pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate sexually with a child between January 31 and February 8, 2020.
He also admitted trying to encourage a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual acts during the same period.
It is important to note that 'attempts' refer to communication with a 'decoy'—such as undercover groups or police officers operating with fake profiles—rather than with an actual child.
Sherwood further acknowledged possessing three category C images of children between April 12 and June 6, 2020.
Category C images are considered the least severe level of indecent images according to guidelines.
Because of the case’s seriousness, the magistrates decided they did not have jurisdiction and referred it to higher court.
Represented by city solicitor Mark Sheward, Sherwood was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled for a further hearing at Worcester Crown Court on February 25.
Charles Townsend, chair of the bench, stated: "Despite the fact you have pleaded guilty to all matters—that has been noted and will be your credit—it will be at crown court that you will receive that credit.
The issues are too serious for us to deal with here in the magistrates court." The magistrates also ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation service and stated that a sexual harm prevention order would need to be considered and ultimately imposed by a Crown Court judge.
Sherwood was instructed to sign the sex offender register within three days of the hearing.
