Michael Matthews

A man from Grimsby has been jailed for nine years after being found guilty of a string of child sex offences. Michael Matthews, aged 65, appeared at Grimsby Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 14 May 2026, following a four-day trial in which he had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The jury convicted Matthews of ten sexual offences against a young girl, including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault of a child under 13. The abuse took place over a period between 2009 and 2015, described by the court as non‑recent offences.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Matthews was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Constable Amy Tindell, the officer in the case, praised the victim’s courage: “I would like to start by commending the sheer bravery of the person subjected to this abuse for her strength throughout the entirety of the investigation and the complexities of court proceedings.”

DC Tindell added: “Matthews abused his position of trust and preyed on an innocent child for his own repugnant sexual gratification. I am reassured that he is now facing considerable time behind bars. Investigations of this nature are extremely complex and can be prolonged, but Matthews added to this by refusing to admit his guilt and making them endure the gruelling ordeal of a trial. Whilst the result at court will not take away the pain and suffering endured by the person he abused, I hope it will bring a sense of justice to them and their family that Matthews will finally face the consequences of his abhorrent actions.”