Former South Gloucestershire resident sentenced for multiple child sex offences
Judge Julian Lambert described the man's actions as "wicked in the extreme"
A man who used to live in South Gloucestershire has been handed a 20 year jail sentence after being found guilty of several sex offences including raping a child.
Mathew Dobie, who is 47 and used to live near Bristol before moving to Cambridge, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after being found guilty by majority verdict of two counts of raping a child and four counts of sexual activity with a child.
His offences were carried out on a single victim a number of years ago and reported to the police in 2020.
He was handed a 20 year sentence with a further four on licence and will have to serve a minimum of two-thirds of the custodial sentence.
Dobie will now be placed on the sex offenders register and be the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
SHPO's are used to prevent convicted sex offenders from doing certain things, such as visiting playgrounds or accessing the internet without computer monitoring software.
Judge Julian Lambert described the abuse Dobie inflicted upon the victim as ‘despicable’.
“The extent of the damage which you did is utterly numbing," he said.
"The damage done is irreparable. There is no question but that you knew what you were doing was wrong and wicked in the extreme.
“You chose your own corrupt sexual pleasures and thought nothing of the ruination of a young life.
“Few words can properly describe the depth of you degeneracy, few words can do you justice.
"You are truly a monster.”
Detective Constable Melanie Downton who worked on the case thanked the victim and their family for coming forward.
"The defendant accepted no responsibility for his deplorable actions and I believe this sentence reflects both the serious and impactful nature of the offending and the fact that the perpetrator did everything in his power to escape accountability for his crimes.”
Suzie Butler, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “The victim showed immense courage in speaking out against the perpetrator of these awful crimes and supporting the prosecution.
“I am very pleased that we were able to deliver justice for the victim in this case.
"The sentence handed down is wholly appropriate given the degree of harm that the defendant has caused.
“We want every victim of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to report abuse, in the knowledge that support is available and that the police and CPS are committed to securing justice.”
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, recent or non-recent, you don’t have to speak to the police.
You can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
Visit their website at thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
You can also visit thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims of sexual offences.