ROBIN MATTHEWS FROM CAMBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND GROOMING CASES

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Cambridge, Robin Matthews, aged 63, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving child sexual abuse and grooming. The offences span over two decades, with Matthews targeting vulnerable young children, some as young as four years old, during the period from 1970 to the early 1990s.

Matthews, a resident of Hobart Road in Cambridge, engaged in manipulative and coercive behaviors to exploit his victims. He convinced one child that he was their 'boyfriend,' a tactic used to groom and emotionally manipulate the young victim. The abuse was not limited to isolated incidents; it involved repeated assaults, including sexual acts and threats of violence. Matthews took the children to secluded woodland areas, where he issued terrifying threats, such as promising to 'bury them alive if they told anyone about the abuse.'

The court heard that Matthews was an 'aggressive' individual who used intimidation and serious threats to silence his victims. One victim recounted that Matthews made 'serious threats' and warned them that any protest or attempt to speak out would result in harm. Despite some victims trying to disclose their suffering earlier, they were not believed at the time, and the authorities failed to protect them. By the age of 16, one victim believed Matthews to be their boyfriend, due to the sexual activities they had engaged in, which blurred the lines between abuse and a perceived romantic relationship.

It was only in July 2015 that Matthews was finally arrested after the victims disclosed the historic abuse. The revelations prompted a police investigation, leading to Matthews's arrest and subsequent trial. During the trial, which lasted a week, Matthews was found guilty of 20 counts of child sexual abuse, including indecent assault, buggery, and child cruelty. The court also heard that Matthews had committed 13 counts of indecent assault, seven counts of buggery, and one count of cruelty towards children.

In an emotional impact statement read aloud by prosecutor Charles Myatt, one of the victims expressed how the abuse had 'stolen their childhood,' highlighting the profound and lasting effects of Matthews's actions. The court was told that Matthews had used money, threats, and intimidation to maintain control over his victims, who felt too ashamed or frightened to come forward earlier.

Judge David Farrell, presiding over the case at Cambridge Crown Court, described Matthews as a 'vile bully' who exploited the innocence of young children for his perverted purposes. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the lasting damage inflicted on the victims. Matthews showed no remorse during proceedings, maintaining a stance of denial, only asserting that he 'did not do it.'

Following the conviction, Matthews was sentenced to 27 years in prison. Additionally, he received an extra year on license and was ordered to stay away from any children under the age of 18, effectively banning him from contact with minors. The court will determine the exact length of his sentence on August 31, but it is expected to be very substantial given the gravity of his crimes. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for authorities to protect vulnerable children from predators like Robin Matthews, whose actions have left indelible scars on his victims and the community of Cambridge.