Historical sexual assaults.

Former Dudley Man Jailed for 20 Years for Historical Sexual Assaults

Matthew Perry, 38, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for 11 counts of child sexual offences, including rape.

Perry was originally charged in 2014 after two young girls came forward with allegations of abuse. He failed to appear at his trial in September 2016 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

A nationwide search was launched by West Midlands and Hertfordshire Police, with reported sightings of Perry sleeping rough in Borehamwood.

Despite his absence, Perry was found guilty on December 14 at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He was finally apprehended in a Cardiff park this week following a tip-off from the public.

Detective Sergeant Kay Redfern, from the Public Protection Unit, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "We are delighted that, with the assistance of the public and our colleagues in South Wales Police, we have removed a dangerous sex offender from our streets."

Redfern also commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward: "I hope this brings comfort to his victims who showed tremendous courage in coming forward and reporting their horrific experiences."

Perry will also remain on the Sex Offender Register for life and will serve an extended licence period of five years after his release.