Scunthorpe man jailed for 10 years for rape
Johnathan Matthew sentenced following guilty verdict
A man from Scunthorpe has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for rape at Grimsby Crown Court.
Johnathan Matthew, a 30-year-old White British male, was charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration, criminal damage, and breaching his Sex Offender Registration requirements on 9th February 2026.
The legal proceedings revealed that Matthew admitted to criminal damage and breaching his Sex Offender Registration requirements on 16th March but consistently denied all allegations of sexual offences.
On 17th July, the jury returned a guilty verdict for the charge of rape but found him not guilty of sexual assault. As a result, Matthew was remanded into custody and was sentenced on Friday (14th August) for the offences of rape, criminal damage, and breaches of his Sex Offender Registration requirements.
Matthew will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life following his sentencing.
Leading the investigation Detective Constable Niki White said: “I would like to start by commending the woman who came forward and reported what had happened to her. Reporting to the police is never easy, and enduring an investigation through to a Crown Court trial is incredibly brave.
“The psychological and physical impact of this investigation on this courageous woman cannot be understated, and she has shown great strength which she should be proud of.
“Whilst the sentence received does not take away the harm Matthew has caused, I hope knowing he will be behind bars, offers some element of solace to the brave woman who came forward.
“Johnathan Matthew was already on the Sex Offender’s Register for an unrelated offence back in 2024 and breached his registration by failing to inform the police that he had changed his address.
“After receiving the woman’s report, Matthew was swiftly arrested. He denied the offences in police interview and maintained his lies through to trial. The investigation moved at pace, and I was pleased the charges were brought against him and he has been held to account.
“This has been a complex investigation, drawn out by Matthew’s refusal to admit his guilt. This vindictive decision only extended the pain and trauma he had already subjected the woman to by causing her to relive the events at trial. He lied repeatedly to the court, showing he has no respect for authority, and was only interested in saving his own skin rather than doing the right thing.
“Matthew caused damage to the house by throwing items and punching walls. Matthew attacked the sleeping woman at a point she was most vulnerable; the trauma and emotional impact that this has had will undoubtably stay with her for life.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and continue to work relentlessly to take offenders like Matthew out of our communities.
“Specialist trained officers work closely with partnering agencies across our force area to support victims and survivors, alongside aiding in preventing further incidents by putting perpetrators before the courts.
“My advice to all victims of sexual offences is to come forward and speak to us when you are ready, if you are not ready there are many partner organisations that you can tell, who are only required to pass this to us if you are in immediate danger.
“It is important that you tell someone, a friend, a loved one or an organisation who is there to help. We will always do everything we can to hold those to account who chose to commit such horrid crimes.
“Anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, please report it to us via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”