Isle Of Wight Man Jailed For 18 Years After Being Found Guilty Of Sexual Offences against Children

A 71-year-old man from Wootton Bridge has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of eight counts of non-recent sexual offences against three children in Ryde and East Cowes between 1994 and 2012.

On 14 July 2022 we received a third party report relating to a 26-year-old woman who had been physically, sexually, and mentally abused when she was under the age of 16 by Keith Matthews of Mary Rose Avenue. Subsequent enquiries identified a 28-year-old woman who was also a victim of similar offences by Matthews when she was under the age of 18.

Following Matthews initial arrest on 28 July 2022 a 42-year-old woman came forward and reported that she had also been sexually assaulted by Matthews when she was under the age of 16.

The offences all took place between 1994 and 2012 in Ryde and East Cowes.

Following a thorough investigation Matthews was charged on Monday 22 April 2024.

At Newport Crown Court on Friday 4 April 2025 Matthews was found guilty of the following after a thirteen day trial:

Indecent assault – victim age 12-13 / multiple incidents.
Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child – victim age 8-9.
Rape of a female – victim age 14-15.
Assault by penetration – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
Two counts of sexual assault – victim age 13-14 / multiple incidents.
Two counts of assault by penetration – victim age 13-14.

He was sentenced to a combined total of 18 years in prison at Court on Wednesday 23 April 2025.

DC Dan Cooke, who investigated the case, said:

“The bravery of the women who came forward as part of our investigation has been recognised by the Judge when passing this sentence that prevents Matthews from causing harm to any more children..

“His appalling crimes have cast a shadow over these women’s lives and I hope this result, following our detailed investigation, helps them to move past what Matthews has subjected them to when they were children.

"The Hampton Trust has provided invaluable support to the victims throughout this investigation.

“Our commitment to bringing offenders to justice is underlined when long-running and complex investigations like this result in a significant sentence.

"I hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate these crimes and it prompts victims of similar offences to contact us when they are ready to, so that we can secure justice for them as well”.

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

You can also find out more about how to report, and seek support for child abuse here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.