Matthew Nicholson
Age: 37
Town: Lancashire
Convicted: 18/09/2023
Rapist who attacked a woman as her child slept in the next room.
Rapist Sentenced to Nine Years for Attacking Woman While Her Child Slept Nearby
Matthew Nicholson, 36, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman while her child slept in the next room. The attack occurred despite the woman's repeated refusals and pleas for him to stop.
During the sentencing, The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, described Nicholson as a dangerous man and imposed an extended sentence of six years custody followed by three years on licence.
"You knew her child was in the next room," Judge Altham stated. "Your victim knew she couldn't fight or cry out, and you knew that. It is clear you exploited that situation to get what you wanted."
"You knew you had been raping her as you raped her and as she lay there with you next to her, crying. The next day, she challenged you by message. In effect, you admitted you had raped her by message and voice note, repeatedly apologizing and telling her you should have listened to her when she said no. With that background, it is surprising you ran a trial."
Judge Altham continued, "You do pose a serious risk of causing harm to other (women) by the commission of further specified offences. That risk can only be managed by the oversight of your release by the Parole Board and an extended licence period. It is a most seriously aggravating feature that you did this knowing her child was only a wall's width away."
Nicholson has been ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and has been subjected to a 12-year restraining order to protect his victim.