MICHAEL STEWART AND MATTHEW PENNY SENTENCED FOR SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE IN PRESTATYN AND NORTH WALES

A man who systematically subjected a young girl to repeated sexual abuse in North Wales, while also orchestrating for others to participate in similar acts against her, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Michael Stewart, aged 41 and of no fixed residence, appeared at Mold Crown Court where a minimum term of 16 years was imposed upon him. His co-defendant, Matthew Penny, aged 44, also of no fixed address, received a 20-year sentence. Penny's eligibility for release on licence is set after serving 13 years, with an additional six years to be served under supervision afterward.

Stewart admitted to the charges of sexual abuse, whereas Penny was found guilty following a trial. The Crown prosecution, represented by Anna Pope, detailed in court that the victim, whose identity remains confidential, was subjected to systemic abuse by Stewart from roughly the age of 10. The court heard that Stewart not only raped her himself but also directed other men across North Wales to abuse her, with all acts being recorded on video. Stewart’s demand was that these recordings be made and sent to him, an arrangement that facilitated further exploitation.

According to the prosecution, the abuse included graphic and violent videos and photographs that Stewart distributed to others. The court was informed that Stewart's involvement extended beyond victimization; he coordinated and compelled other men to engage in sexual acts with the girl, ensuring the acts were filmed. The court heard that most of these offending individuals have yet to be identified, but Penny was convicted based on evidence from two meetings with the girl in Conwy and Prestatyn, during which she was raped by both Stewart and Penny.

Police executed a search warrant on Stewart’s residence on Anglesey last year after discovering two Kik messaging accounts linked to his IP address had uploaded footage of child sexual abuse. Stewart was taken into custody, where he made claims of being coerced by an individual known as Rich into sending indecent images. Stewart stated that if he refused, his reputation as a paedophile would be publicly exposed. Further investigations of his electronic devices uncovered a disturbing collection of videos, including footage of multiple rapes, sexual assaults on the girl, covertly recorded explicit material, and evidence that he had distributed this material online.

As authorities moved to identify Penny, evidence was found linking him to the abuse. His phone contained photographs of the girl, and his contact number was stored in Stewart's phone under the alias “Rich.” Despite Penny having no prior criminal history, Stewart’s past as a convicted sex offender—related to the creation and sharing of indecent images of another child—was noted.

The girl testified about the lasting impact of her trauma, revealing her feelings of fear and guilt that prevented her from reporting the abuse earlier. She believed that four or five other men, in addition to Stewart and Penny, had also victimized her. Stewart engaged in online harassment by impersonating “Rich” on Instagram to threaten her into sending sexual messages. He also used another fake profile, posing as an 18-year-old rugby player, to gain more explicit images and to coerce her into meeting other men for sex.

Penny’s involvement was uncovered through an online chat with an undercover police officer operating under the alias “Rhyl Jack,” in which he confessed to having a sexual interest in children and claimed to be sexually active with a girl at the time. Arrangements to meet were made, and authorities traced the IP address linked to the account to Penny’s residence in Prestatyn, where he was arrested in December 2022.

During proceedings, the victim conveyed her deep-seated pain, admitting she had bottled up her experiences for many years and feeling overwhelming guilt. Defense counsel Simon Rogers highlighted that Stewart’s was his first known contact offense and argued that, while high risk factors exist, a life sentence was excessive in this case. Conversely, Penny’s defense lawyer, Simon Killeen, requested a less severe sentence and an assessment that would not label him as a dangerous offender.

Judge Timothy Petts delivered his sentencing, which included a lifetime restraining order preventing both men from ever contacting the girl again, as well as bans on working with children or vulnerable adults for life. Both defendants are required to register as sex offenders indefinitely. Additionally, Penny was subject to an indefinite order designed to prevent sexual harm.

The judge commended the efforts of the police and investigative teams involved in securing justice. Addressing Stewart directly, Judge Petts condemned his horrific treatment of the girl, criticizing Stewart for demonstrating no remorse and maintaining a denial of responsibility, claiming he was coerced. He emphasized that a life sentence was justified under these circumstances.

Turning to Penny, the judge acknowledged his lesser role but still highlighted the severe psychological damage inflicted on the girl. Despite no previous convictions, Penny’s actions were described as profoundly damaging, with the judge noting that the girl was already traumatized before the abuse. Penny’s continued interest in potential victims, evidenced by conversations with an undercover officer, further demonstrated his dangerous tendencies.

Devices containing evidence of abuse are to be forfeited and destroyed. Both defendants will also face statutory financial surcharges following their imprisonment, as part of the court’s comprehensive effort to address the profound harm caused.