A sex offender from Huddersfield has been jailed for 27 years after being found guilty of ’20 horrific’ and ‘appalling’ sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault and indecency.

Matthew Pearce, aged 56, of Glastonbury Drive in Huddersfield, was sentenced to 27 years in prison and a year on licence at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, Monday 10 November.

The offences, which took place between 2003 and 2021 against victims who were ‘then young girls’ and two boys, have been described as ‘horrific’ by numerous people involved with the case.

Pearce has been jailed for the following:
•    Three offences of rape of a child under 13. 
•    Two offences of rape contrary to section 1(1) of the sexual offences act 2003 
•    Two offences of sexual assault on a child under 13 
•    Sexual assault 
•    Two offences of causing a child to watch a sexual act  
•    Two offences of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child  
•    Five offences of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. 
•    Two offences of causing a child to engage in sexual activity  
•    Indecency with a child contrary  

Dc Paul Campbell of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, who led the investigation, said: “The four victims in this case suffered sexual abuse which can only be described as horrific, and we want to pay tribute to the immense bravery they have shown. 

“Even by the standards of some of the dreadful offences we investigate as safeguarding detectives, Pearce’s offending has been appalling in its depravity, and this has been reflected in the very lengthy sentenced imposed by the court.” 

Peace’s offending was first reported to police in October 2021 after one of the victim’s came forward as an adult. 

The report initiated a complex investigation by specialist Kirklees child safeguarding detectives to trace and interview victims which resulted in Pearce’s arrest in 2022. 

The 56-year-old was charged and first appeared before magistrates in April 2024. 

Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, added: “I hope the now adult victims in this case can take some measure of comfort for seeing Pearce jailed for this catalogue of appalling sexual abuse committed over an 11 year period.  

“Their bravery in supporting the police and CPS has ensured a highly dangerous child sex offender will be off our streets for many years to come. As this case and others demonstrate, sexual offending can always be reported , even if it took place many years ago and we urge victims who may not have come forwards, for whatever reason, to do so.”