Swindon child rapist jailed for sexually assaulting girl

The young victim reported the incidents to police with support from a friend who had witnessed what she had been through.

Police described Swindon man Matthew Vandross as “a predatory individual” who committed “truly horrific” abuse and “unspeakable crimes” between October 2020 and May 2021.

The 30-year-old appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday after being found guilty in September of several offences.

The charges included 21 counts of digital penetration, four counts of rape of a child under 13, and one count of sexual assault by touching.

Vandross, of Homington Avenue, received a 24-year jail sentence and must serve at least 20 years behind bars.

Matthew Vandross (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Wiltshire Police praised the bravery and courage of the young victim and her friend who went to the authorities despite receiving threats of violence from Vandross if they reported his criminal behaviour.

Detective Constable Mel Neal, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “These are unspeakable crimes and I’m pleased that the courts have recognised this by handing Vandross a lengthy jail sentence.

“Vandross is a predatory individual and he took advantage of a vulnerable child and abused her in a truly horrific way.

“He then made awful, violent threats towards her if she dared report his offending to the police, and consistently denied the offences, forcing the children to go through the trauma of a trial.

“From 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.

“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.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sex abuse to report it to police – no matter how much time has passed since the offences took place.

“We are committed to targeting dangerous offenders like Vandross and will do everything we can to ensure they are put before the courts.”