In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Matthew Nicholls, then 40, was jailed for 10 months for pestering a 15-year-old girl for sex. On appearing at York Crown Court, the defendant—of Grange Crescent, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire—pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in a sexual act. It was reported that Nicholls used Facebook and text messages to target the teenager for nearly a year, despite being more than twice her age and knowing she was under 16.
The investigation established that Nicholls’ persistent sexual requests continued until the victim informed her mother. North Yorkshire Police reported that the predatory use of social media showed a “vile” determination to exploit a vulnerable child. The prosecution reported that Nicholls only admitted his guilt on the day he was due to stand trial for a more serious sexual offence, which was subsequently left on file. The investigation established that the victim felt her childhood was taken away by someone she trusted, leaving her with long-term difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Nicholls had pestered the girl for sex with the clear intention of following through if she had acceded. York Crown Court heard that the victim showed great “good sense” by rejecting his advances and reporting the matter. The investigation established that Nicholls found it difficult to accept responsibility for his “appalling” actions due to the shame it would bring him, though he eventually deleted his social media accounts to avoid further “temptation.”
Judge Sean Morris told Nicholls that he had no doubt the defendant would have engaged in sexual activity had the victim not resisted. For his actions in North Yorkshire, Nicholls was handed the 10-month custodial term and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for five years. The judge noted the “serious emotional turmoil” suffered by the girl as a direct result of Nicholls’ predatory conduct.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Matthew Nicholls as of late 2019 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 10 months (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were set for 7 years.
- SHPO Status: Subject to a 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at York Crown Court following a North Yorkshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Inciting a child to engage in a sexual act; More serious sexual offence (left on file).
- Origin: Grange Crescent, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Nicholls is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the North Yorkshire area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Tadcaster, which involved the persistent grooming of a child via digital platforms, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 5-year SHPO provides the legal framework to monitor his internet use and prevent him from using social media to target other vulnerable children.
As a registered sex offender, Nicholls’ details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his history of “appalling” digital approaches in North Yorkshire requires ongoing vigilance by offender management teams. Any attempt to open new social media accounts without authorization or to engage in unauthorized contact with minors will result in immediate arrest to ensure the safety of the community and to prevent further harm to children.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.