Mathew Shuttleworth

A Lancashire farm worker, Mathew Shuttleworth, has admitted to serious online sexual offences after being ensnared in a sting operation by paedophile hunters. The case, heard at Preston Crown Court, involves Shuttleworth's attempts to communicate sexually with individuals he believed to be underage girls, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and exploitation.

Shuttleworth, from Barbon in Carnforth, made contact with three separate decoys online in 2023. The first decoy informed him she was 14 years old, yet he persisted in communication, requesting photographs of her. The second decoy claimed to be just 12, but Shuttleworth continued the interaction and even arranged to meet her at Booths supermarket in Kirkby Lonsdale, oblivious to the fact that she was not a real child. The third decoy posed as another 14-year-old and also sent him a photograph as part of the trap.

• Shuttleworth admitted three charges of attempted sexual communication with a child.
• He also pleaded guilty to one charge of attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 after grooming her.

Shuttleworth was arrested following the paedophile hunter group's operations. In court, his defence representative, Holly Nelson, acknowledged that the messages were sexual in nature and expressed Shuttleworth's shame and remorse. She emphasised that he never actually met or spoke to a real child, as all contacts were decoys, and noted his background as a farm worker with a wife and children. Nelson highlighted that the offences have already caused significant personal fallout, with Shuttleworth unable to live with his family for some time.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC deferred sentencing, stating he required time to review evidence served only hours before the hearing. He also sought an explanation for the 'significant delay' in the prosecution process. Sentencing is scheduled for next month at Preston Crown Court. Nelson argued that Shuttleworth is suitable for rehabilitation.

This case underscores the role of vigilante groups in exposing potential child sex offenders online, though it also raises questions about prosecution timelines and the impact on families. The article is based on reporting from the Lancaster Guardian, published on 28 May 2025.