In May 2020, 60-year-old Eastbourne Paedophile Keith Matthews of Tintern Close (near Croxden Way) sexually assaulted and raped a young female child over an extended period.
At the time of the crime, the victim was under thirteen years old. Keith Matthews was known to frequent the Seven Sisters Pub and had friends who lived nearby.
Once the victim confided in a family member and set off the alert, Sussex Police received reports of the incidents.
Keith Matthews’ charges were for four counts of rape of a child, one case of assault by penetration of a child, sexual assault of a child, and cruelty to a child.
After a five-day trial, on Friday, August 2 2024, a jury at Lewes Crown Court convicted him guilty.
Keith Matthews has been remanded in detention to be sentenced at a court to be verified on September 20.
“The young victim in this investigation has shown incredible bravery in reporting these horrific crimes,” said Eastbourne’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit detective, Nick Green. She has shown great fortitude across the inquiry and given evidence under really trying conditions.
“Her fortitude has helped us to get this conviction.
“This has been an alarming case, and I hope she can now start to rebuild her life safe in the knowledge that Keith Matthews now faces a major custodial sentence.”
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