MATT TREWHITT OF LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND ONLINE ABUSE
In August 2020, a disturbing case involving Matthew Trewhitt, a 27-year-old man from Liverpool, came to light through court proceedings that revealed his troubling behavior and criminal activities.The case centered around Trewhitt's interactions with women online, where he engaged in highly inappropriate and illegal communications, as well as possessing indecent images of children.
It was established that Trewhitt began sending obscene messages to a woman in November 2018.
Among the initial messages, he explicitly expressed his desire to engage in sexual acts, stating, "I want to f*** you senseless." Following this, he sent her four images and a video depicting his genitals.
The woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, responded with a shocked and disbelieving remark, simply replying, "WTF." The following morning, Trewhitt continued his disturbing communication by sending a lengthy message.
According to prosecutor Christopher Hopkins, the message attempted to rationalize his behavior, claiming that the woman should not be upset because he was not genuinely interested in children, despite his earlier comments.
He stated, "She shouldn’t be upset that he’s asking to s*** her as he wasn’t trying to follow his real desires of children – preferably primary." He also discussed what he claimed was available on the internet and explicitly mentioned his desire to "get hold of a child." Most alarmingly, Trewhitt made a direct and inappropriate reference to the woman’s niece, expressing a preference for engaging with someone of her age group.
This particular comment caused significant distress to the woman, who was deeply unsettled by his words.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Trewhitt acknowledged his behavior and expressed remorse, stating that he "should be punished" and even suggesting that he might arrange for someone to physically assault him as a form of punishment.
In addition to these online communications, Trewhitt had previously been found in possession of seven indecent images of children.
He also pleaded guilty to charges of sending communications with the intent to cause distress and to possessing cannabis.
The court heard that Trewhitt’s mental health was a significant factor in his case.
A mental health expert testified that Trewhitt suffers from a mental disorder so severe that a section 37 order under the Mental Health Act would be appropriate, which would see him detained in a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
However, a treating clinician disagreed with this assessment, believing that Trewhitt would benefit more from community-based support.
The court also heard from Trewhitt’s mother, who expressed her concern and desire for her son to be in a safe environment where he could continue to receive care.
Ultimately, Judge David Aubrey, QC, decided that a section 37 order was justified, especially given the availability of a bed at Rathbone Hospital.
The judge’s decision was supported by evidence indicating that Trewhitt suffers from hallucinations, hears voices, and experiences "alternative dimensions" in relation to his personality.
In his ruling, Judge Aubrey emphasized that although initial reports suggested Rathbone Hospital might not have a suitable bed, this had since been clarified.
Trewhitt was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the need for ongoing supervision and protection of the public.
