In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Matthew Medland, 19, of St Brannocks Road, Ilfracombe, was jailed for three years and six months for grooming a child and attempting to coerce an adult woman into sexual activity. On appearing at Exeter Crown Court, the defendant admitted to a series of predatory offences that took place in Barnstaple and online. It was reported that Medland manipulated a 12-year-old girl over social media, eventually persuading her to have sex with him in a park once she turned 13.
The investigation established that Medland used persistent grooming tactics, telling the child he loved her and suggesting she have his baby. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that he also pressured the victim into sending naked selfies. The prosecution reported that the abuse only came to light when the girl’s mother overheard Medland’s voice on a phone call and realised the significant age gap, leading the victim to disclose the truth to her grandmother.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that while released under investigation for the first offence, Medland targeted a 19-year-old woman in a despicable attempt at sexual coercion. Exeter Crown Court heard how he obtained a naked video of the woman and threatened to release it publicly unless she agreed to have sex with him. The investigation established that Medland had already shared the clip with a friend before the victim courageously refused his demands and contacted the police.
Judge Timothy Rose noted that Medland knew the child’s age perfectly well and had systematically inveigled himself into her affections. For his actions in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, Medland was convicted of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication, and making indecent images. The judge noted that the defendant’s belief that the 13-year-old was an equal participant was a delusion, describing his behaviour towards both victims as extremely harmful and predatory.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Matthew Medland is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Three years and six months in prison (2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for life.
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in effect, banning contact with underage girls and allowing police to monitor his internet use.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court following a Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual activity with a child; Sexual communication; Making indecent images; Sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress.
- Origin: St Brannocks Road, Ilfracombe, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Medland is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Devon. Due to his history of using social media to target children in Barnstaple and his attempt to use digital media for sexual coercion in Ilfracombe, his management is subject to intensive scrutiny. Authorities state that his SHPO is a critical tool that allows specialist officers to conduct unannounced audits of his digital devices to ensure he is not engaging in further grooming or harassment.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Medland must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of child abuse and attempted sexual extortion in Devon necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to contact minors, access prohibited chat groups, or engage in inappropriate behaviour in Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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