Locations
Mary Rose Avenue, Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight, PO33
Description
A 71-year-old man from Wootton Bridge has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of eight counts of non-recent sexual offences against three children in Ryde and East Cowes between 1994 and 2012.
On 14 July 2022 we received a third party report relating to a 26-year-old woman who had been physically, sexually, and mentally abused when she was under the age of 16 by Keith Matthews of Mary Rose Avenue. Subsequent enquiries identified a 28-year-old woman who was also a victim of similar offences by Matthews when she was under the age of 18. Following Matthews initial arrest on 28 July 2022 a 42-year-old woman came forward and reported that she had also been sexually assaulted by Matthews when she was under the age of 16. The offences all took place between 1994 and 2012 in Ryde and East Cowes.
Following a thorough investigation Matthews was charged on Monday 22 April 2024.
At Newport Crown Court on Friday 4 April 2025 Matthews was found guilty of the following after a thirteen day trial:
- Indecent assault – victim age 12-13 / multiple incidents.
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child – victim age 8-9.
- Rape of a female – victim age 14-15.
- Assault by penetration – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
- Two counts of sexual assault – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
- Two counts of assault by penetration – victim age 13-14.
He was sentenced to a combined total of 18 years in prison at Court on Wednesday 23 April 2025.