Sex abuser jailed after 'shattering' children's lives

Advertising Enquiries Richard Drew, Publisher 01454 800 120 contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

A FORMER Yate man who sexually assaulted two children has been jailed for 16 years.

Matthew Nicholas, aged 50, attacked his victims on multiple occasions over a five-year period, Avon and Somerset police said. He denied the offences but was found guilty of 10 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Find

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Complaints

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Nicholas, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.

The victims' mother said the assaults had robbed her children of their childhood and left her unable to trust anyone.

In a statement read to the court before Nicholas was sentenced on January 20, she said: "His actions have shattered the lives of my children. He has robbed them of their childhood.

"One of my children used to be outgoing and giggly. Now they lack confidence around big crowds and have become angry and easily frustrated.

"My other child cries often and suffers from constant nightmares - their sleep has really been affected by the trauma.

"I found out about this just as the pandemic hit. I was very isolated and the only contact I had was with Anna, the police officer on the case.

"I am unable to trust anyone with my children."

Nicholas was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order barring him from access to vulnerable people and two restraining orders to stop him contacting his victims.

Speaking after the sentence was handed down, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Anna Toogood said: "I must commend the incredible bravery and strength of the victims, shown throughout this case after suffering horrific crimes like this over such a long period of time.

"This was a particularly vile case, where Nicholas, who was in a position of power, took advantage of two young children.

"I hope this sentence reassures both the victims and their families that people like this are dealt with swiftly and get the justice they deserve."

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Yate & Sodbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Yate & Sodbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Yate & Sodbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Details of organisations who can offer help and support to victims of rape and sexual abuse can be found online at avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rape-and-sexual-assault.