Two Halifax men have received immediate custodial sentences totalling more than 12 years at Bradford Crown Court after being convicted of serious non-recent sexual offences committed against a male child.
John Matthews, aged 74, and Mark Matthews, aged 61, both residing in Halifax, West Yorkshire, appeared in the dock for sentence on Thursday 5 November 2026 following an investigation conducted by specialist child protection officers.
The court heard that both men subjected the young victim to serious sexual offences dating back years, with the convictions secured after the survivor took the brave step of reporting the historic abuse to the authorities.
Detective Constable Holly Jefferis, of the Halifax Child Protection Department at West Yorkshire Police, praised the complainant’s resolve:
“I would like to thank the victim for the courage, dignity, and resilience he has shown throughout both the police investigation and the court process. Speaking about sexual abuse is never easy and his bravery in coming forward has been instrumental in securing these convictions. I hope today’s sentence provides him with a sense of justice for the abuse he suffered and brings some measure of peace and closure as he moves forward with his life. We recognise that for many male victims, reporting sexual abuse can be especially difficult due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, fear or concerns about how they may be perceived. I hope this sentence will give male victims the confidence to come forward and report sexual abuse when they feel ready.”
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, the survivor is protected by mandatory, lifelong statutory anonymity. Any publication, broadcast, or public dissemination of information capable of leading to his identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Sentencing both defendants at Bradford Crown Court, the presiding judge ordered John Matthews to serve six years and three months’ imprisonment, and handed Mark Matthews an identical custodial sentence of six years and three months.
Both men were also made subject to statutory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register, alongside court-ordered protective measures.
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