News
Bolton man jailed for 22 years for horrific sex offences against two children of ‘extreme youth’
'Singleton is the worst kind of predator'
Daisy Jackson -
19th April 2023 
A man in Bolton has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for serious sexual offences against two children.
Matthew Singleton, 36, was found guilty of five rapes against a child of extreme youth, and one attempted rape of a child of extreme youth.
He was first caught after intelligence from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children found that he was uploading indecent child images to the internet.
Police officers visited his home in the Westhoughton area of Bolton on 14 May 2021 and seized three mobile phones, which underwent examination by the High-Tech Crime Unit.
It was discovered that Singleton had generated images of himself carrying out ‘horrific sexual offences’ against two young girls.
He was arrested and charged on 28 September 2022 and was found guilty at trial in February 2023.
DC Linzi Allen from Bolton CID said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the families of the young victims and commend them for their strength in supporting this prosecution.
“We are acutely aware that today’s sentencing does in no way make up for the horrors their children suffered but we hope they can draw some comfort from the fact that Singleton is now off the streets.
“Singleton is the worst kind of predator and we are grateful to the prosecution for ensuring that he will serve many years behind bars and will no longer be a threat to children.
“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to get in touch with GMP. We will listen to you and we will investigate.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
GMP has issued advice for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted, or knows someone who has. People are urged to report it to the police or to a support agency, such as:
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. We offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call us on 0161 273 4500 or email us at [email protected]
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.”
Featured image: GMP
