Hertfordshire child abuser jailed after witness records assault in Essex
A quick-thinking member of the public recorded evidence that helped convict Matthew Rattenbury, 42 of sexually assaulting a child
A man who claimed he was giving a child an "innocent massage" has been jailed, after a quick-thinking member of the public recorded evidence that helped convict him of sexually assaulting a child.
Matthew Rattenbury, 42, of High Street, Northchurch, Hertfordshire, denied the charge but was found guilty at Basildon Crown Court following a three-day trial. The court heard how a witness saw the assault, recognised the behaviour as inappropriate, and filmed the incident, providing key evidence for the prosecution.
Detective Constable Jane Grieve, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, praised the witness for their actions. “This eyewitness saw behaviour they instinctively recognised as inappropriate, and they had the foresight to record the crime in action. This meant we could build a case and secure a conviction,” she said.
The jury rejected Rattenbury’s claim that he was giving the victim “an innocent massage.” On Tuesday, 10 December, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with half to be served in custody and the rest on licence.
Rattenbury was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The judge commended the witness who filmed the assault and recommended her for an award from the High Sheriff of Essex.
Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Grieve said, “This evidence-led prosecution demonstrates our commitment to catching people intent on causing children harm and ensuring they are brought before the courts. I hope this case provides confidence to anyone who is being abused or is worried about someone else that the police are here for you.”
She encouraged those affected by child sexual abuse to come forward, adding that other specialist support services are available for those in need.