Matthew Thompson

Matthew Thompson, 48, from Bentham Drive in Barnsley, has admitted to a series of serious sexual offences against two young girls. Appearing at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday, Thompson pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including assault of a child by penetration, sexual assault of a child, sexual activity with a child, and taking indecent photographs of a child.

Judge Jonathan Gibson described the offending as 'extremely serious' during the hearing. Despite the gravity of the charges, the judge allowed Thompson to proceed with a pre-paid two-week holiday to the Greek island of Kos, departing on Thursday and returning on 27 October. Thompson has been on bail, and the judge stated, 'You’ve pleaded guilty and you will of course get proper credit for your guilty pleas in due course when you’re sentenced. You’ve been on bail and I’m not going to revoke your bail simply because you have entered honest pleas.'

Gillian Batts, representing Thompson, requested permission for the holiday, noting that her client would register as a sex offender with the relevant authorities prior to departure. She also proposed that Thompson 'sign on' at a police station between 12pm and 2pm on 28 October upon his return. Judge Gibson agreed, ordering Thompson to report to Barnsley police station on that date as part of his bail conditions. He added, 'As you know you are now subject to the sex offender registration provisions and you’ll need to report to the police to do that before you go.'

The court heard details of the abuse, which involved multiple assaults on the two girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Thompson's sentencing has been scheduled for 18 November at Bradford Crown Court. This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual exploitation in the UK, with South Yorkshire Police involved in the investigation, as indicated by the Barnsley location.

Source: The Independent, article dated around October 2022.