Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor, a 31-year-old groundsman from Hastings, East Sussex, was convicted of rape following a trial at Lewes Crown Court. The incident occurred on February 12, 2023, when Taylor approached a woman in her 20s who was new to the town and out socialising at a busy pub. Initially appearing friendly, Taylor convinced her to leave the pub with him for a walk to Hastings beach.

Once they reached the secluded area of the beach, Taylor's behaviour changed abruptly. He subjected the woman to a violent and non-consensual sexual assault, ignoring her repeated protests and pleas that she did not consent to any sexual activity. The attack was described by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as an 'appalling, opportunistic attack' on a vulnerable individual who had trusted his initial friendliness.

Taylor was arrested by Sussex Police and charged with one count of rape. After a trial, he was found guilty on August 18, 2023, at Lewes Crown Court. He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. He was acquitted of a second charge of rape against the same victim.

Claire Gallagher from CPS South East commented: 'This was an appalling opportunistic attack on a woman new to the town, who believed that Taylor was being friendly when he first approached her. Instead, he was planning to lure her away from a busy place, so he could force himself on her. As soon as they got to the beach his behaviour immediately changed and he started to attack her. Despite her repeated protests that she did not consent to any sexual activity with him, Taylor ignored her pleas and subjected her to a traumatic ordeal.'

Detective Sergeant Elizabeth Pike from Sussex Police’s safeguarding investigations unit praised the victim's bravery: 'This is sadly something that will stay with her forever, but I hope this sentence will go some way in helping her rebuild her life.' She also highlighted the police's commitment to pursuing justice in cases of rape and sexual offences.

The case was prosecuted by the CPS South East, with investigations led by Sussex Police. Taylor resides at Clement Hill Road in Hastings, East Sussex.