SHANE MATTICKS FROM GILLINGHAM AND MEDWAY SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Gillingham and Medway, Shane Matticks, a 23-year-old former infantry soldier, has been convicted and sentenced for engaging in sexual activities with a minor, resulting in her becoming pregnant. The court proceedings, which culminated in a four-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court in February, revealed disturbing details about the offender's actions and the tragic consequences that followed.

Initially, reporting restrictions prevented the publication of specific details about the case. However, these restrictions were lifted following a separate trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where Matticks pleaded guilty to two charges of rape that occurred in Medway during October. The sentencing for these offences is scheduled for the following day, Friday.

The court heard that Matticks had targeted the young girl after meeting her at a social gathering in Whitfield, near Dover, in July 2009. On that night, he consumed a significant amount of alcohol—specifically, 12 beers—before driving the girl to a flat where the sexual encounter took place. Despite her asserting that she was only 14 and a virgin, Matticks described her as appearing more mature, believing she was between 17 and 18 years old. His balding appearance and comments suggested he perceived her as an older individual.

Tragically, the girl gave birth to a son in the spring of the following year, when she was just 15 years old. DNA testing confirmed with 99.9% certainty that Matticks was the father of the child, further emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. Prosecutor Deborah Charles highlighted that Matticks, under the influence of alcohol, showed a blatant disregard for the girl’s age and well-being, stating, “Matticks had had quite a lot to drink and did not care if he drove in that state and did not care if he slept with this girl whatever her age. He was clearly told she was only 14.”

Defense attorney Louis French acknowledged that Matticks had indeed engaged in sexual activity with the girl and fathered her child but argued that he believed she was of legal age. French questioned whether the girl’s appearance that night suggested she was trying to appear older, asking, “What did she look like that night? Was she trying to look grown up, not like a schoolgirl in schoolgirl clothes?” He also challenged the prosecution’s assertion that Matticks was aware of her age, accusing witnesses of attempting to “bolster” the case against his client.

Following a brief deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict in just 15 minutes. Judge Peter Gower QC sentenced Matticks to five years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions. The judge stated, “I have no doubt you were told by others that she was only 14 and by her that she was a virgin. These were matters of complete indifference to you. You took advantage of her young age and emotional immaturity.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Matticks, who has since moved to Gillingham after the offences, has been placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period. The case underscores the devastating impact of predatory behavior and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.