Home   News   Article

Crime in Moray: 'Despicable' sex offender from Elgin jailed





A prolific predator from Moray has been jailed for eight years today for a catalogue of sex crimes against 10 victims.

A judge told Matthew Watson that his behaviour was "utterly despicable".

Lord Richardson stated the 36-year had used his victims for sexual gratification, adding his actions have had a profound and long-lasting effect on some of them.

Speaking at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Richardson added: "As you will surely recognise a lengthy period in custody is the only appropriate sentence I can pass on you to reflect your appalling conduct.

"You subjected each of these women to deeply distressing experiences."

Lord Richardson also ordered Watson should be kept under supervision for a further five years following his eventual release from prison.

The court heard that Watson of Mannochmore, Thomshill, had been assessed as posing a high risk of being convicted again for sexual offences in the future.

Lord Richardson said a background report prepared on the rapist revealed that he continued to deny responsibility for his most serious crimes.

Watson was earlier found guilty of five offences by a jury.

These included three charges of rape and one of assault with intent to rape.

He also admitted a further 13 offences, including indecent conduct and having sex with a minor.

The offences occurred across Moray and in Inverness between 2005, when Watson was 19, and 2018.

One victim told police that Watson had sent her a friend's request through Facebook after her 14th birthday.

His messages to the schoolgirl quickly became flirtatious, then increasingly sexual.

He asked for naked pictures.

As a result of his persistence she sent him a topless photograph.

Watson responded with pictures of his naked torso and penis.

He went on to pick up the child in his car and drive her to a wooded area for sex on two occasions.

Another 14-year-old was raped inside a car at a location in Inverness.

Watson will be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More