Matthew McKenzie

Matthew McKenzie, a 47-year-old man from Totterdown in Bristol, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Bristol Crown Court on 17 March 2026 for sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl. The abuse occurred in June 2023, when McKenzie, who had gained the trust of the victim's family, exploited his position to carry out sexual acts with the child for his own gratification.

The court heard harrowing details from the victim, who described how the abuse had profoundly impacted her life. She testified that she now suffers from nightmares, waking up in panic and fearing McKenzie. 'Every time I close my eyes all I see is him, and also it has affected my school work,' she said. 'I can't trust anyone and I have been feeling worthless and empty. When I have these nightmares, they are about everything Matthew did to me.' The girl, once self-confident, had her personality changed considerably by the trauma.

The victim's mother expressed her devastation in court, stating she felt 'absolutely sick' over McKenzie's crimes. 'Matthew has ruined my daughter's life,' she said. 'He has taken her innocence, and made her do something despicable for his own selfish pleasure, which is repulsive. He has preyed on my innocent little girl, groomed his way into our lives, so much so that I trusted him to be around my daughter and he betrayed all our trusts.'

Following the child's disclosure to her mother, Avon and Somerset Police were immediately notified, and McKenzie was arrested within hours. He was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court. In addition to the eight-year custodial sentence, McKenzie was made subject to a 15-year sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Emma Parry, the officer in the case from Avon and Somerset Police, commended the victim's and her family's 'remarkable courage' in the face of the horrendous circumstances. 'We are really pleased to see Matthew McKenzie be jailed for these sickening offences, and that would not have been possible without their support,' she said. 'We sincerely hope the conclusion of these legal proceedings can help the girl, and with the unrelenting love of her family, can now begin to look to the future - because she deserves that more than anyone.'