Predator Sentenced to Nearly Ten Years for Grooming 12-Year-Old Boy Online
Fake Name, Real Deception
Matthew Scott, 40, from Woodville Road, Hartshorne, struck up a friendship with a 12-year-old boy online in May 2022. Using a fake identity, Scott chatted with the child for two weeks before arranging to meet him at a local shop.
Disturbing Offences at Home
After meeting, Scott drove the boy back to his own home, where the abuse took place. The boy’s distress became clear when Scott spotted a worried message on his phone. Panicked, Scott dropped the boy off near his home and begged him not to tell anyone, warning it would ruin his life.
Police Step In After Brave Revelation
The boy went home visibly upset. His parents quickly called the police to report the chilling events. Officers arrested Scott in the early hours the next day, charging him and placing him in custody.
Justice Served with Heavy Sentence
On Monday 13th, Scott was handed a brutal 9 years and 9 months behind bars, plus a one-year extended licence. He’s also slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Natalie Fletcher of Derbyshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team said: “I want to thank the boy and his family for the great courage they have shown throughout the investigation and the court process.
“This was a horrific incident that has impacted the boy and his family immensely. I hope the maximum sentence the judge could impose brings them some solace and closure.”
DC Fletcher added a warning: “If anyone is suffering sexual abuse or knows a child communicating online with an adult using a fake identity, please speak to the police. We take these cases seriously and are committed to bringing offenders to justice.”
