MATTHEW TAYLOR AND HIS SHOCKING RAPE IN HASTINGS, SUSSEX
| Red Rose Database
Hastings Rapist
A man named Matthew Taylor has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after committing a horrifying and opportunistic sexual assault in the seaside town of Hastings. The incident took place after Taylor, 31 years old, engaged a young woman in conversation during a social outing on the evening of February 12.
The woman, who was in her twenties and relatively new to Hastings, initially believed Taylor's friendliness and chatting to be innocent. However, the situation took a disturbing turn once they moved from the lively pub where they had met to a nearby beach. As soon as they arrived at the secluded shoreline, Taylor's demeanor abruptly changed, and he began to assault her.
According to Claire Gallagher of the Crown Prosecution Service, the woman was subjected to a brutal attack. Despite her repeated pleas and protests that she did not consent to any sexual activity, Taylor ignored her urgent protests and continued with the assault. Gallagher described the attack as “appalling and opportunistic,” emphasizing that Taylor’s actions were premeditated in the sense that he led her away from the busy pub clientele to the quiet beach with the apparent intent to commit the assault without witnesses.
The victim’s ordeal was tragically traumatic, and her bravery in coming forward was widely acknowledged by law enforcement officials. Detective Sergeant Elizabeth Pike, from Sussex Police’s safeguarding investigations unit, lauded her courage, stating that her decision to report the incident and testify in court was “incredible.” Pike expressed hope that the prison sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offense, would contribute to her path to recovery.
During the trial at Lewes Crown Court, Taylor was convicted of the rape. However, he was acquitted on a second charge of rape involving the same woman. As part of his sentencing, Taylor was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, signifying the authorities’ ongoing concern regarding his conduct.
Sergeant Pike reaffirmed Sussex Police's commitment to justice, commenting that “his sentencing demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and get justice for victims who come forward to us.” She also highlighted the importance of victim support and urged anyone affected by similar incidents to seek help, noting that resources are available through the Sussex Police website.
This case underscores the dangers faced by women in public and private spaces and the importance of resilience and bravery in seeking justice. It also demonstrates the relentless efforts of Sussex Police to ensure offenders are held accountable for their crimes.
The woman, who was in her twenties and relatively new to Hastings, initially believed Taylor's friendliness and chatting to be innocent. However, the situation took a disturbing turn once they moved from the lively pub where they had met to a nearby beach. As soon as they arrived at the secluded shoreline, Taylor's demeanor abruptly changed, and he began to assault her.
According to Claire Gallagher of the Crown Prosecution Service, the woman was subjected to a brutal attack. Despite her repeated pleas and protests that she did not consent to any sexual activity, Taylor ignored her urgent protests and continued with the assault. Gallagher described the attack as “appalling and opportunistic,” emphasizing that Taylor’s actions were premeditated in the sense that he led her away from the busy pub clientele to the quiet beach with the apparent intent to commit the assault without witnesses.
The victim’s ordeal was tragically traumatic, and her bravery in coming forward was widely acknowledged by law enforcement officials. Detective Sergeant Elizabeth Pike, from Sussex Police’s safeguarding investigations unit, lauded her courage, stating that her decision to report the incident and testify in court was “incredible.” Pike expressed hope that the prison sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offense, would contribute to her path to recovery.
During the trial at Lewes Crown Court, Taylor was convicted of the rape. However, he was acquitted on a second charge of rape involving the same woman. As part of his sentencing, Taylor was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, signifying the authorities’ ongoing concern regarding his conduct.
Sergeant Pike reaffirmed Sussex Police's commitment to justice, commenting that “his sentencing demonstrates our determination to catch offenders and get justice for victims who come forward to us.” She also highlighted the importance of victim support and urged anyone affected by similar incidents to seek help, noting that resources are available through the Sussex Police website.
This case underscores the dangers faced by women in public and private spaces and the importance of resilience and bravery in seeking justice. It also demonstrates the relentless efforts of Sussex Police to ensure offenders are held accountable for their crimes.