Man sentenced to 11 years for sexually abusing a young boy

A man who sexually abused a four-year-old boy has been jailed for a total of 11 years at Northampton Crown Court.

Matthew David Stephen Benson, previously of Aylesbury, abused the boy in Isham on May 19, 2019, when, as a trusted adult, he took advantage of being left alone with the child for just 15-minutes.

The boy disclosed the offence to a parent, who called the police, and 25-year-old Benson was subsequently arrested and charged with sexual activity with a child under 13 and with causing a child to watch a sexual act.

At his trial in September 2021, a jury found Benson guilty of both offences and on Thursday, January 27, he returned to the crown court where he was sentenced to a total 11 years in prison.

He received seven years and four years on extended licence for sexual activity with a child under 13, and 16-months for causing a child to watch a sexual act, to run concurrently. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Lead Investigator, Detective Constable Kirstie Brooks, said: “I am pleased with this sentencing result. Benson is a dangerous man who used the opportunity to abuse a very young child. He is now where he belongs behind bars and where he cannot hurt anyone anymore.

“I would like to thank the young boy and his family who have been incredibly brave and strong throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Speaking up takes a huge amount of courage and strength and they should be commended for this.”

Northamptonshire Police takes reports of sexual assault very seriously and will always treat reports of this nature with the confidentiality and sensitivity they deserve.

We will believe you.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, whether recent or non-recent, please call us on 101 or use our online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk

*This article and custody image have been released with the support and agreement of the victim, who has life-long anonymity as a victim of sexual abuse.