Rapist who committed a string of child sexual offences jailed for two decades after being found hiding in a park

Matthew Perry, of no fixed address, had been charged with 11 counts of child sexual offences, including rape after an investigation was launched following admissions to police from two young girls in 2014.

The unemployed 38-year-old failed to appear at his trial in September 2016 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

A nationwide search was launched jointly by West Midlands and Hertfordshire Police, after reported sightings of him sleeping rough in Borehamwood.

A trial went ahead in his absence and he was found guilty on December 14 at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

But a tip off earlier this week finally led police to a Cardiff park and on Wednesday Perry was found and jailed for 20 years followed by an extended licence period of five years. He will also remain on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective sergeant Kay Redfern, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “We are delighted that, with the assistance of the public and our colleagues in South Wales Police, we have removed a dangerous sex offender from our streets. We wish to thank everyone who contacted us with information that led to the capture of this man.

“I hope this brings comfort to his victims who showed tremendous courage in coming forward and reporting their horrific experiences.

“West Midlands Police has an excellent track record of bringing historical sex offenders to court and there is a raft of agencies we work with to assist survivors of sexual abuse on their journey to justice."