A 61-year-old man from Bath has been jailed for 11 years and six months for a catalogue of sexual offences dating back to the 1990s, involving the abuse of two girls.
David Matthews abused two girls on multiple occasions over a number of years in the 1990s.
Matthews, of no fixed address, was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault, one attempted rape and one rape following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
The victims were aged 11 and 12 when the abuse first started.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gemma Crew said: “Matthews’ actions have resulted in lifelong consequences for his victims who, more than 20 years on, are still coming to terms with what he did.
“Now that he is behind bars for a substantial length of time I hope they feel a sense of justice for the trauma he caused.
“Both victims showed tremendous courage in talking to us about their experiences and I hope this conviction will also encourage other victims to report offences to us.
“It doesn’t matter when the assaults happened, where they took place or who did it – we’ll take every report seriously and help provide support.”
If you have any information you’d like to provide to the inquiry team, please contact Investigations via 101 and quote reference 8694615.
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can also self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
The Bridge provides medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault. You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later.
You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.
