Matthew Singleton, a man from Westhoughton, Bolton, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for committing horrific sexual offences against two young girls. The sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, 19 April 2023.
The investigation began when Greater Manchester Police received intelligence from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding Singleton uploading indecent images online. Following this tip-off, officers raided Singleton’s home on 14 May 2021 and seized three mobile phones.
Forensic experts from the High-Tech Crime Unit examined the devices and uncovered disturbing evidence. Singleton had produced images of himself committing vile sexual acts against two young victims.
Singleton was arrested and charged with five counts of rape and one attempted rape of a child of extreme youth. He was convicted in February 2023 after a heartbreaking trial.
Detective Constable Linzi Allen of Bolton CID praised the strength of the victims and their families. She said, “Firstly, I would like to thank the families of the young victims and commend them for their strength in supporting this prosecution. While today’s sentencing cannot undo the horrors the children endured, we hope the families can find some comfort knowing Singleton is behind bars and no longer a threat.”
DC Allen added, “Singleton is the worst kind of predator. We’re grateful the courts have ensured he will spend many years in prison. We urge anyone affected by sexual assault, or who knows someone who is, to contact GMP. We will listen and investigate.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
