A man has been sentenced to 6 years imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court today after pleading guilty to non-recent child sex offences.

The court heard that between 2002 and 2005 Matthew James Scott, 43, of no fixed abode, targeted a boy under the age of 13 in Southampton, where Scott lived at the time.

Following a report in 2021 an investigation was launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, which resulted in Scott being charged with two counts of indecent assault on a male person as well as sexual activity with a child.

Speaking on the impact of Scott’s actions, the victim said: “As a result of the abuse, I suffer from depression, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, low self-esteem, and an inability to fully trust others or form healthy relationships.

“The abuse has affected every aspect of my life and its impact remains with me today. However, it has not broken me.

“Despite everything I have endured, I have continued to fight forward. By standing before the Court today, I am reclaiming my voice and asking the Court to recognise the profound and lasting harm caused by the defendant’s actions.”

Today (Friday 25 September) Scott was sentenced a total of 12 years, with 6 years served in jail, and a further 6 years on extended licence when released. He is also subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which was issued as part of a previous sentencing.

The detective leading the investigation, DC Matthew Moody said:

“I firstly want to commend the victim for his tremendous bravery in coming forward and reporting this hugely traumatic incident to us. The courage it takes to speak up should never be underestimated.

“Without his continued support throughout this investigation and court process, we wouldn’t have been able to secure this much-deserved sentence.

“Matthew Scott’s actions left devastation in his wake, leaving the victim with lasting trauma which affected many aspects of his life.

“No sentence will ever truly be able to bring justice to the victim of such an awful crime, but I hope knowing this dangerous man is behind bars and unable to cause further harm, will give him some closure.”

“Convictions of this nature show that it is never too late to come forward to police. Every survivor is entitled to support, and delays in reporting are not a barrier to seeking justice later in life.

“Allegations of this nature are taken seriously. We will always listen without judgement, and ensure victims are supported throughout the process.”

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you are entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you are feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support for rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.