A paedophile has been jailed for almost a decade after he was found guilty of a string of child sex offences against a teenage girl.

Matthew Watson, 26, was jailed by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday (September 11).

Watson plied the victim-survivor with drugs and alcohol before assaulting her on multiple occasions at various locations in the Newcastle area.

The girl disclosed what had happened to trusted people in her life and a report was later made to Northumbria Police.

Following a complex investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, in April last year, Watson was charged in connection with the abuse.

He stood trial in August at Newcastle Crown Court where he was found guilty of 11 counts of child sex offences including sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

On Friday, Watson, of Tewkesbury Road, Newcastle, returned to the same court where he was given an eight-year prison sentence.

As part of his sentence, he will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Leading the investigation from Northumbria Police was Detective Constable Claire Ashurst.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, she said: “It’s clear that Matthew Watson is a sexual predator who has taken advantage of this vulnerable girl for his own sexual gain.

“This victim-survivor has shown great bravery and dignity through the entire investigation and court process – which has now ended with her abuser being put behind bars.”

Det Con Ashurst continued: “The sexual abuse of children is horrific and, as a Force, we’ll continue to relentlessly bring those who commit these offences to justice. 

“No-one should ever have to experience this type of criminality, but please know if you have, we’re here and we’re ready to listen.”

Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, should contact police using the ‘Report’ pages on the Northumbria Police website, or send the Force a direct message on social media.

Anyone unable to report this way should call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is ongoing, always call 999.

To report a crime anonymously, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.