A Swindon man has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape of a child.
Matthew Vandross, a 30-year-old of Homington Avenue, Swindon, has been found guilty of a series of child rape offences following a five-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court,
Vandross was convicted of the following charges:
- Sexual assault by touching
- Digital penetration (21 counts)
- Rape of a child under 13 (4 counts)
These disturbing offences occurred over a period spanning from October 2020 to May 2021.
The victim, who was under the age of 10 at the time, displayed remarkable courage by reporting the incidents to the police. She received support from a friend who had witnessed the traumatic experiences she had endured.
Detective Constable Mel Neal, a member of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, commented on the case, saying, “Since the beginning of this investigation, we have worked closely with partner agencies to ensure the victims in this case received the appropriate support and safeguarding they required.”
“This predatory offender took advantage of a vulnerable child and abused her in the worst and most horrific way.”
In addition to these heinous acts, Vandross also made terrifying threats to discourage the victim from reporting his crimes to the police.
Neal paid tribute to the incredible bravery displayed by the two children involved in the case ““I would like to personally pay tribute to the two children involved in this case – it is thanks to their bravery that we secured a successful prosecution. Both girls have shown extreme bravery and courage beyond their years, despite enduring such a traumatic ordeal. Working within the Child Abuse Investigation Team, we come to work every day to protect people like these two girls and secure some form of justice for them.
The detective urged anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report it to the police, emphasizing that the passage of time should not deter reporting. The authorities are dedicated to targeting dangerous offenders like Vandross and will spare no effort to ensure they are brought to justice.
Matthew Vandross is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15.
