Paedophile who raped autistic teenage girl jailed for 18 years

A man who raped and sexually assaulted an autistic teenage girl has been jailed for 18 years.

West Midlands Police said Matthew Tucker, 48, raped her twice at his home in October 2019, and was also found to have a log of imaginary child abuse.

The girl, who was receiving mental health support, told a friend about the attacks and police arrested Tucker, of Great Barr, Birmingham, shortly after.

Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, from West Midland Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The girl was autistic and had mental health issues… she was clearly vulnerable and we believe Tucker exploited that for his own sexual gratification.”

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Officers found more than 2,200 screenshots of conversations between Tucker and his victim, as well as a log that appeared to record sexual activity with children aged between eight and 16.

However, after police tried to track down the children, none of the youngsters spoken to revealed any offences and it is thought the log was entirely invented by the paedophile.

Indecent images of children and bestiality were found on his devices.

West Midlands Police said Tucker told officers he knew she was only 15 but claimed she initiated sexual contact.

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A jury at Birmingham Crown Court convicted Tucker of two counts of rape, sexual assault and possessing indecent images on 9 November.

He was jailed for 18 years and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. The paedophile will need to serve 12 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.

“My officers conducted a thorough investigation and supported the girl throughout the case to the conclusion at court,” DI Davenport said.

“I wish her all the very best for the future and hope she receives all the support she needs to get through what’s been a hugely traumatic time for her.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report the matter to us so we can take action.”

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