MATTHEW WATSON SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEX OFFENCES IN MORAY AND INVERNESS
A notorious sex offender from Moray, Matthew Watson, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a series of sexual crimes committed against ten victims.During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Richardson described Watson's conduct as "utterly despicable" and emphasized the profound impact on his victims.
Lord Richardson stated, "The 36-year-old used his victims for sexual gratification, and his actions have had a long-lasting and damaging effect on some of them." He further added, "As you will surely recognize, a lengthy period in custody is the only appropriate sentence I can pass on you to reflect your appalling conduct." Additionally, Watson will be supervised for an extra five years after his release.
The court heard that Watson, of Mannochmore, Thomshill, was assessed as posing a high risk of reoffending in the future.
A background report revealed that Watson continued to deny responsibility for his most serious crimes.
He was convicted of five offences after a jury trial, including three counts of rape and one of assault with intent to commit rape.
Furthermore, Watson admitted to a further 13 offences, such as indecent conduct and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The offences took place across Moray and Inverness from 2005, when Watson was 19, up to 2018.
One victim recounted how Watson had sent her a friend request on Facebook shortly after her 14th birthday.
His messages quickly shifted from flirtatious to overtly sexual, asking for explicit pictures.
As his persistence grew, she sent him a topless photo.
In response, Watson sent images of his naked torso and genitals.
He later picked her up in his car and drove her to a wooded area for sex on two separate occasions.
Another young girl, also 14, was raped inside a car at a location in Inverness.
Watson will now be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
