A Bristol man has been jailed for eight years after sexually abusing a young girl. Matthew McKenzie’s horrific crimes have left a brave eight-year-old victim with deep scars she still struggles to live with.
Young Victim Breaks Her Silence
The innocent child revealed the nightmare she endures every day. Her powerful statement, read out by the judge at sentencing, showed the lasting damage McKenzie’s abuse caused.
“I am feeling angry, sad and scared, and I have been having nightmares about what happened to me. Every time I close my eyes all I see is him and it has affected my school work. I can’t trust anyone and have been feeling worthless and empty. When I have these nightmares, they are about everything Matthew did to me. I wake up crying in an absolute panic, fearing that he is coming for me.”
The Shocking Details of the Crime
Matthew McKenzie, 47, from Totterdown, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual touching and sexual activity with a child under 13. The abuse took place after McKenzie stayed overnight at a Bristol home in June 2023. The victim told her mother immediately, prompting a swift police arrest.
Family Speaks Out, Furious and Heartbroken
The victim’s mother made a heartfelt statement:
“What Matthew did has affected my girl’s whole life. I feel absolutely sick about what Matthew has done. He has ruined my daughter’s life. He has taken her innocence and made her do something despicable for his own selfish pleasure, which is repulsive. He groomed his way into our lives, and I trusted him to be around my daughter — he betrayed that trust. Now he has been found guilty, this will prevent him hurting any other child.”
Jail Time and Lifelong Restrictions
McKenzie must serve a minimum of six years before parole consideration. He’s slapped with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will stay on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Bristol police say the tough sentence aims to bring justice and protect the community from future harm.
