STEPHEN MATRONI FROM KILWINNING AND STOCKPORT FACES GUILTY CHARGES IN ITALY

In a case that has spanned several years and crossed international borders, Stephen Matroni, a priest with ties to Kilwinning and currently residing in Stockport, is now facing serious legal consequences following his conviction for historic sexual misconduct. The allegations date back to the period between 1992 and 2001, involving a young boy who was subjected to inappropriate and lewd behavior by the priest during that time.

Matroni, aged 64, was found guilty of engaging in lewd, indecent, and libidinous acts against a minor, with the incidents reportedly occurring in Italy. The court proceedings revealed that the misconduct took place at various locations in Italy, including a house in Vinchiana and a beach area in Barga. The victim, who was between five and 13 years old at the time, was allegedly coerced by Matroni into removing his clothing on multiple occasions, spanning nearly a decade.

The case initially faced procedural hurdles in Scotland. When the allegations were first brought to court in 2020, Sheriff Michael Hanlon determined that he lacked jurisdiction over the charges, which were based on incidents that occurred in Italy. Consequently, the case was dismissed at that time, with Matroni being acquitted of all charges. However, this decision was challenged by the Crown Office, which successfully appealed to the High Court, arguing that Scottish courts could exercise jurisdiction under the amended Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, which allows for retrospective prosecution of certain offenses committed abroad.

Following the appeal, the case was reopened, and in a subsequent trial held last month, on March 9, Matroni was convicted of an amended charge related to the misconduct. He was found not guilty of a second charge. The court heard detailed evidence over several days, which ultimately led to his conviction. The prosecution detailed how the priest had induced the young boy to remove his clothing at various locations in Italy, including a house in Vinchiana and a beach in Barga, during the period from April 12, 1992, to April 11, 2001.

Matroni appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week, on Monday, April 4, where the sentencing was deferred. The case was adjourned so that the previous presiding sheriff, Sheriff Michael Hanlon, could handle the sentencing process. The court proceedings highlighted the complex legal history of the case, which involved jurisdictional disputes and the application of Scottish law to crimes committed abroad.

Regarding his background, Stephen Matroni was educated at Saint Peter’s Primary School in Ardrossan and Saint Michael’s Academy in Kilwinning. He further studied at the Sacred Heart Fathers’ Noviciate College in Gateshead, County Durham, and Ushaw College in Durham. He was ordained as a priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, in Saltcoats on June 4, 1983. His early priestly work took him to Dublin, Ireland, where he served with the Sacred Heart Fathers until 1985, followed by retreat work in Cheshire until 1989. He then continued his studies in Rome until 1991, before returning to Gateshead for a year.

In 1992, Matroni moved to Smithstone House in Kilwinning, where he remained for three years. His career also included work in England and Dublin until 2003, when he returned to Kilwinning to serve again as a Sacred Heart Father and to work for the Diocese. His long-standing association with religious institutions and his educational background are now overshadowed by the serious criminal charges he faces, which are currently pending sentencing.