Predatory paedophile from Boston jailed for grooming and sexually abusing girl, 14
Police have praised the courage shown by the friend – and said she is a shining example to others who may have similar fears about someone they know.
The friend raised her concerns with a teacher which led police to arrest 38-year-old Matthew Twitchen.
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Hide AdTwitchen’s victim, who has lifelong anonymity and should not be identified, was just 14 when he began to groom her online.
He told her he was 18 – he was actually in his mid-30s.
Twitchen convinced the teen to send him intimate photos before asking to meet her in Gateshead.
He took her to a car park where he told her he loved her before engaging in sexual activity.
A concerned school friend, who had seen pictures of Twitchen, failed to believe he was of teen age and confided her fears to a school teacher. The school swiftly contacted police and the victim’s mother.
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Hide AdLincolnshire Police arrested Twitchen at his home address in Boston.
On Wednesday, Twitchen appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, two cases of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child following sexual grooming.
He was sentenced to five years imprisonment, handed an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Constable Ross Atkinson, who was in charge of the case, has praised the victim and her friend.
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Hide AdHe said: “The victim’s friend recognised that her friend was being groomed and she showed immense courage by coming forward and disclosing her concerns to a teacher.
“I would encourage anyone who might find themselves in a similar position, concerned about a friend and fearful they are being groomed, to always tell a trusted adult – a parent, teacher or police officer.”
He added: “I would also like to praise the victim and her family, for their bravery throughout the course of the investigation and court proceedings.
“I hope the victim, her family and her friend can take comfort knowing they have helped put a predatory paedophile in prison.
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Hide Ad“I encourage anyone out there who may think their friend or loved one is in a similar position to please report it.
“Every report will be taken seriously, treated with the utmost compassion and you will be fully supported.”