A 71-year-old man, the Wootton Bridge Paedophile, Keith Matthews, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of eight charges of historical sexual offences against three minors in Ryde and East Cowes from 1994 to 2012.
On 14 July 2022, we received a report from a third party concerning a 26-year-old lady who had experienced physical, sexual, and psychological abuse before the age of 16 by Keith Matthews of Mary Rose Avenue. Subsequent investigations revealed a 28-year-old woman who was also a victim of analogous acts perpetrated by Matthews while she was a minor. Subsequent to Matthews’ original arrest on 28 July 2022, a 42-year-old woman emerged to say that she had also been sexually attacked by Matthews while she was below the age of 16. The incidents occurred between 1994 and 2012 in Ryde and East Cowes.
Subsequent to a comprehensive investigation, Keith Matthews was indicted on Monday, April 22, 2024.
At Newport Crown Court on Friday 4 April 2025 Keith Matthews was found guilty of the following after a thirteen day trial:
- Indecent assault – victim age 12-13 / multiple incidents.
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child – victim age 8-9.
- Rape of a female – victim age 14-15.
- Assault by penetration – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
- Two counts of sexual assault – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
- Two counts of assault by penetration – victim age 13-14.
He was sentenced to a combined total of 18 years in prison at Court on Wednesday 23 April 2025.
DC Dan Cooke, who investigated the case, said: “The bravery of the women who came forward as part of our investigation has been recognised by the Judge when passing this sentence that prevents Keith Matthews from causing harm to any more children..
“His appalling crimes have cast a shadow over these women’s lives and I hope this result, following our detailed investigation, helps them to move past what Matthews has subjected them to when they were children. The Hampton Trust has provided invaluable support to the victims throughout this investigation.
“Our commitment to bringing offenders to justice is underlined when long-running and complex investigations like this result in a significant sentence. I hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate these crimes and it prompts victims of similar offences to contact us when they are ready to, so that we can secure justice for them as well”.
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.
For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
You can also find out more about how to report, and seek support for child abuse here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/
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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.