Child rapist jailed for 'horrendous' abuse

Matthew Alexander was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 16 offences against two children

A man has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of multiple historic counts of raping and sexually assaulting two girls.

Matthew Alexander, 48, from Lydney, was jailed on Thursday after a jury unanimously found him guilty of 16 offences following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court in July. He had denied all the charges.

Describing Alexander's conduct as "horrendous", Det Con Smith from Gloucestershire Constabulary praised the victims, who were 13 at the time of the offences, for their courage in coming forward.

Following the sentencing, one of Alexander's victims said: "I will never be able to forgive him for what he has done to me."

The investigation began in July 2023 after the victims, now adults, contacted Gloucestershire Police to report that Alexander had raped and sexually assaulted them multiple times.

One of Alexander's victims said: "His abusive behaviour has had a massive impact on my growing up.

"I felt that I had to grow up faster and I couldn't be the child that I wanted to be."

The other victim said she felt "ashamed" of her body and she also found it difficult to trust anyone to look after her child, "especially men".

'Significant impact'

In addition to the 20-year jail term, the judge gave Alexander an extended sentence with an additional two years to serve on licence due to aggravating factors around his offences.

Alexander also received a 30-year sexual harm prevention order to protect the public and a 30-year-restraining order not to contact either victim.

His name will also be added to the sex offenders register for life.

"We are committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm," said Det Con Smith.

"The impact of Alexander's crimes on his victims has been significant and long-lasting and I would like to commend them for having the courage to come forward and report his horrendous crimes."