A Newton Aycliffe Paedophile, Matthew Hindhaugh, who wore a chastity belt and was discovered with a “rape list” following the abduction of a teenage girl, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Predator Matthew Hindhaugh, deemed “extremely dangerous,” initiated the assault in Newton Aycliffe in February by approaching the youngster and striking her in the face.
The 22-year-old covered her lips, instructing her to remain silent, and compelled her into his residence and into his bed. He thereafter restrained her and began to unzip his trousers.
The astute adolescent informed Matthew Hindhaugh, of Newton Aycliffe, that she would remain silent about the incident provided he permitted her to go.
This provided the girl with a brief opportunity to escape, and she exited the premises, leaving one shoe behind as she hurried to a nearby residence, where she alerted others.
Officers swiftly apprehended Matthew Hindhaugh, who asserted that he was attempting to assist the girl who had fallen and injured her face.
Compelling CCTV footage, exhibits, and witness testimonies demonstrated the contrary.
The police located the victim’s shoe on the stairs, a “rape list” comprising several social media celebrities, and a sword in his bedroom.
He was apprehended and discovered to be wearing a chastity belt, which he informed the officers was intended to suppress his sexual desires.
Matthew Hindhaugh pleaded guilty at an earlier court hearing to kidnap, kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence, intentional strangulation, and possession of an offensive weapon.
He also pleaded guilty to another three charges of making hundreds of indecent images of children from 2015 to 2024.
Matthew Hindhaugh was remanded into custody and at Durham Crown Court today (June 6), he was jailed for 16 years.
Detective Superintendent Peter Carr praised the victim, who told officers she thought she was going to die: “The bravery and courage this girl showed that night is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Not only did her resilience and quick-thinking actions manage to get herself to safety, but she managed to prevent Matthew Hindhaugh from causing harm to anyone else.
“Matthew Hindhaugh is an extremely dangerous predator, whose actions were abhorrent that night. He had absolutely no regard for her and the effect of what he was doing might have on her.
“I hope this sentence gives the girl, her family, and friends, and the community some comfort now he is in prison.
“I would also like to thank the investigation team who worked tirelessly and diligently to get justice for the girl.”
Matthew Hindhaugh was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life, issued a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
If you or someone you know is suffering sexual or physical abuse, please contact us on 101, or dial 999 if you are in immediate danger.
If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available:
The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.