'Repulsive' paedophile jailed for child sex abuse

A "repulsive" paedophile has been jailed for eight years after sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl.

Matthew McKenzie, of Totterdown in Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on17 March. He will be subject to a 15-year sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

Avon and Somerset Police said the 47-year-old sexually touched the child and carried out sexual acts with her "for his own gratification" in June 2023.

His victim told the court she suffers from nightmares about McKenzie, and often wakes up "crying in an absolute panic, fearing that he is coming for me".

The court heard the girl used to be a very self-confident child, but the abuse had changed her personality considerably.

"Every time I close my eyes all I see is him, and also it has affected my school work," she said.

"I can't trust anyone and I have been feeling worthless and empty.

"When I have these nightmares, they are about everything Matthew did to me."

The child immediately made her mother aware of the abuse, police were called and McKenzie was arrested within hours.

The victim's mother told the court she felt "absolutely sick" over McKenzie's crimes.

"Matthew has ruined my daughter's life," she said.

"He has taken her innocence, and made her do something despicable for his own selfish pleasure, which is repulsive.

"He has preyed on my innocent little girl, groomed his way into our lives, so much so that I trusted him to be around me daughter and he betrayed all our trusts."

DC Emma Parry, officer in the case, commended the "remarkable courage" shown by the victims and her family "in the face of the most horrendous circumstances".

"We are really pleased to see Matthew McKenzie be jailed for these sickening offences, and that would not have been possible without their support.

"We sincerely hope the conclusion of these legal proceedings can help the girl, and with the unrelenting love of her family, can now begin to look to the future - because she deserves that more than anyone."

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