'Dangerous and depraved' Scarborough paedophile who raped 12-year-old girl is jailed for 20 years

Justice has been served for a depraved paedophile who groomed and sexually abused a 12-year-old girl.

"Dangerous" Matthew Lee Scaife from Scarborough has been jailed for 20 years for a catalogue of sexual offences against a child, including rape.

A court heard how the 36-year-old abused the girl in the summer of 2016.

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Scaife, 36, of Crown Terrace, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of nine offences, including four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of making indecent images of children.

Matthew Lee Scaife was jailed for 20 years at York Crown CourtMatthew Lee Scaife was jailed for 20 years at York Crown Court
Matthew Lee Scaife was jailed for 20 years at York Crown Court

The indecent images of children offences, which consisted of both Category B and Category C material, were uncovered in March 2017.

As well as 20 years in jail, Scaife also received an extended five year licence on his release from prison, was made subject to a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

Judge Simon Hickey told Scaife: “I am certain you knew that she was a vulnerable girl and that is why you targeted her and groomed her.

“You are, in my judgement, dangerous.”

Matthew Lee Scaife. Picture issued by North Yorkshire PoliceMatthew Lee Scaife. Picture issued by North Yorkshire Police
Matthew Lee Scaife. Picture issued by North Yorkshire Police
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Detective Sergeant Lee Allenby, of Online Abuse & Exploitation Team, praised the work of the investigation team led by Detective Constable Clair Gascoyne.

He said: “First and foremost, it is very pleasing that we have been able to secure justice for the brave victim who has endured significant abuse and trauma at such a young age.

“We truly hope the outcome at court provides some comfort and gives her strength for the future.

“As for Matthew Scaife, he is clearly a very dangerous and depraved individual who is rightfully in prison for a very long time. Not only that, he will be closely monitored by the authorities for the rest of his life.”

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