In 2021, then 28-year-old Matthew Pattison, of Crestwood, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 16 years after carrying out a predatory series of assaults on two children. The investigation established that Pattison conducted a “campaign of rape” and “appalling sexual abuse” over a significant duration. The prosecution reported at Teesside Crown Court, that Pattison’s crimes were uncovered in 2019 after a victim spoke to a school education officer, identifying a total abandonment of human decency by the then 28-year-old.
The investigation established that Pattison’s series of behaviour involved extreme violence and “emotional blackmail” to ensure his victims remained silent. The prosecution reported that Pattison threatened to kill one victim if they spoke out and even placed his hands around their neck and “tried to strangle them.” This identifies a calculated series of assaults on the life-safety of children, as Pattison further manipulated the victims by claiming he would commit suicide in prison and it would be “their fault.”
VICTIM IMPACT AND JUDICIAL SENTENCING
The court reported that the victims have been left with “no confidence” and feel their childhoods were “taken away” by Pattison’s actions. The investigation established that despite being found guilty by a jury, Pattison continues to deny the offences. The prosecution reported in 2021, that Recorder David Gordon described the crimes as extremely serious, identifying a priority assault by the judiciary to impose a 16-year custodial term with a further two years on extended licence.
Judge-led proceedings at Teesside Crown Court concluded with Pattison being led to the cells to begin his sentence. For his actions in Middlesbrough, and across Teesside, and the nature of the series of child abuse, serial rape, and attempted strangulation investigations reported, Matthew Pattison was documented as a dangerous offender. The investigation established that his forensic profile as a child rapist is now a matter of permanent record, and he is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a lifelong restraining order.
STATUS AND CASE DETAILS (2019–2021)
Based on judicial and Cleveland Police records as of 2021:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Rape; Sexual assault; Attempted strangulation; Child abuse context).
- Custodial Status: JAILED (In 2021, sentenced to 16 years in prison with a 2-year extended licence).
- Offence Nature: Conducted a multi-year campaign of serial rape and abuse against two children; utilised physical violence, including attempted strangulation, to silence victims; employed emotional blackmail by threatening suicide; caused “serious consequences” and life-altering trauma to the survivors.
- Timeline of Case: Offences came to light 2019; Investigation and trial 2021; Convicted and sentenced October 2021.
- Location: Middlesbrough, Teesside.
- Forensic Profile: Then 28-year-old male; forensic history documents a “persistent and appalling” predatory intent; identified as an offender who combined sexual violation with extreme psychological manipulation and physical threats.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active INDEFINITELY.
- Judicial Oversight: Presided over by Recorder David Gordon at Teesside Crown Court.
- Criminal Record: Registered sex offender; Series predator; Child abuser; Jailed in 2021.
- Origin: Middlesbrough.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
In 2021, Pattison was managed as a maximum-risk predator under the statutory requirements of the Cleveland MAPPA unit. Due to the nature of the behaviour—specifically the series of persistence in raping children and the use of life-threatening violence to maintain control—he was a priority for an extended licence. Authorities reported that the 2021 sentencing identifies Pattison as an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification and “denial” over the principles of human decency and the life-safety of the public.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database to ensure he remains under strict scrutiny should he ever be considered for release. Authorities stated that the behaviour of Pattison identifies a commitment to clandestine child abuse and the systematic terrorisation of minors. His removal to prison in 2021 results in the necessary protection of the community from a man who used a “Middlesbrough resident” mask to hide a predatory and persistent series of assaults on the innocent.
QUESTION – Given that the offender “conducted a campaign of rape against children and attempted to strangle one victim to keep them silent while utilizing emotional blackmail,” do you believe the law should legally mandate that “All Individuals Convicted of Child Rape and Attempted Murder/Strangulation” must be “Sentenced to Mandatory Whole-Life Incarceration Without Parole” to prevent a series of assaults?
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