A former aviation company director has been jailed for sexual offences against three children in Winchester.

Matthew Myatt, 57, abused two of the girls at Popham Airfield, where Myatt’s company was based, and engaged in sexual communication online with a third girl.

The abuse took place between 2016 and 2022, during which Myatt also coerced one of the girls into sending indecent images of herself to him in exchange for money.

The offences were reported to police in April 2022.

Following a police investigation, Myatt was charged with a number of offences, and pleaded guilty to the following:

• Sexual activity with a child
• Causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography
• Possession of indecent images of a child
• Sexual communication with a child
• Sexual assault

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on 27 June, Myatt, of Cripstead Lane in Winchester, was jailed for four years and ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely

He was also handed a restraining order, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order with a number of prohibitions relating to his access to the internet and contact with children.

DC Victoria Cobley, who investigated this case, said: “Myatt abused his position of trust to commit these offences, which have had a devastating impact on the victims.

“He persistently pursued three girls over a number of years for his own perverse gratification.

“Their courage in speaking out about what he did is extraordinary, and it is because of their bravery that Myatt is now in prison.”

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

You can visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website for more information on where to seek independent support in your area: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.