A 20-year-old man from Walton has appeared at Liverpool Crown Court facing a total of 100 child sex offences. The charges are part of an ongoing investigation by Merseyside Police and involve multiple victims.
Dylan Matthews, 20, was initially charged with 21 offences in August. Merseyside Police have now brought an additional 79 charges against him. He was remanded in custody following his court appearance on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Dylan Matthews, 20, of Walton, is now charged with 100 separate child sex offences.
- The charges follow an ongoing investigation by Merseyside Police's specialist team.
- Allegations include rape, blackmail, sexual activity with a child, and making indecent images.
- Matthews has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court again on Tuesday, 11 November.
Court Proceedings and Expanded Charges
Dylan Matthews appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday to face the extensive list of charges. This court appearance marks a significant development in a case that began earlier this year. According to Merseyside Police, Matthews was first charged in August with 21 offences.
Following further investigation, an additional 79 charges were authorised, bringing the total number of alleged offences to 100. The court ordered that Matthews be remanded in custody. His next scheduled appearance at Liverpool Crown Court is set for Tuesday, 11 November, where the case will proceed.
Understanding the Legal Process
Remanding a defendant in custody means they will be held in prison until their next court date. This decision is typically made in serious cases to prevent potential reoffending, ensure the defendant attends future hearings, or to prevent interference with witnesses.
Detailed Breakdown of the Allegations
The 100 charges against Matthews cover a wide range of serious offences. Merseyside Police provided a detailed breakdown, which highlights the complexity and gravity of the ongoing investigation. The allegations involve multiple victims.
The charges are categorised as follows:
- Rape: One count
- Sexual Activity with a Child: Two counts
- Blackmail: Two counts
- Causing / Inciting a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity: Forty-four counts
- Sexual Communication with a Child: Thirty-five counts
- Making Indecent Images of a Child: Fifteen counts
- Possession of Indecent Images of a Child: One count
This comprehensive list of charges reflects the scope of the police inquiry conducted by the force's specialist unit dedicated to protecting children.
Total Charges: The investigation has resulted in a total of 100 charges, with 79 being added recently to the initial 21 from August 2024.
Police Statement and Appeal to Victims
The investigation is being led by Merseyside Police's Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team. Detective Sergeant Georgia Bevan, from the team, issued a statement reinforcing the force's commitment to investigating such crimes and supporting victims.
She emphasized the importance of reporting abuse and assured victims that they would be treated with care and professionalism by specially trained officers.
"I would continue to urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, as our specially trained officers will treat you with sensitivity and compassion," said Det Sgt Bevan.
The detective also stressed the seriousness with which the police handle these reports. "We take all such reports extremely seriously," she added, highlighting the collaborative approach taken with partner organisations to ensure victims receive comprehensive support throughout the process.
Support Services for Victims in Merseyside
In her statement, Det Sgt Bevan highlighted the critical role of support services available to victims of sexual abuse in the region. Merseyside Police works closely with these organisations to provide a network of care beyond the criminal investigation.
Key Support Organisations
Two of the primary partners mentioned were:
- Victim Care Merseyside: This is a dedicated support service for victims of crime in the region. It offers free, confidential advice and support, helping individuals and families cope with the impact of crime, regardless of whether it has been reported to the police.
- Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside: RASA is a specialist charity that provides crucial support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They offer counselling, advocacy services, and a helpline for those affected by sexual violence.
Police often direct victims to these services to ensure they receive the emotional and practical support needed to navigate the aftermath of trauma and the complexities of the legal system. Anyone affected by similar crimes is encouraged to reach out to these organisations or to contact the police directly.