BOSTON PREDATOR MATTHEW TWITCHEN SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING IN NEARBY GATESHEAD

In June 2020, a disturbing case of online grooming and sexual predation came to light involving a man from Boston, Massachusetts, who targeted a young girl in Gateshead. The incident only came to public attention after a brave friend of the victim stepped forward to voice her concerns, ultimately leading to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

Authorities have lauded the courage of the young girl’s friend, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against suspicious behavior. Her decision to report her worries to a teacher proved pivotal in initiating the investigation. The friend had observed troubling online interactions and shared her suspicions with a school staff member, which prompted immediate action from the school authorities.

Following the report, law enforcement officials from Lincolnshire Police swiftly moved to arrest the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Matthew Twitchen, at his residence in Boston. The police investigation revealed that Twitchen had engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming a girl who was only 14 years old at the time. Under false pretenses, he convinced her that he was 18, although in reality, he was in his mid-30s.

Twitchen’s manipulative tactics included persuading the young girl to send him intimate photographs. The situation escalated when he requested to meet her in person, leading to a meeting in a car park in Gateshead. During this encounter, Twitchen told the girl that he loved her and engaged in sexual activity with her, actions that constitute serious criminal offenses.

The case was brought to a swift conclusion after the school’s intervention. The friend who had seen the photographs and doubted Twitchen’s age confided her concerns to a teacher, who then contacted the police and the victim’s mother. This chain of events culminated in Twitchen’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

On the day of his court appearance at Newcastle Crown Court, Twitchen pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and meeting a child following sexual grooming. His guilty plea marked a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the young girl involved.

In sentencing, Twitchen received a five-year prison term. Additionally, he was subjected to an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions to prevent further offenses. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety. This case underscores the critical importance of vigilance and the courage of individuals who come forward to protect vulnerable children from online predators.