By Parents launch petition after ‘pathetic’ sentence handed to local sex offender
Parents of students at Humberston Park Special School have launched a petition calling for the former IT manager to have his prison sentence extended after he admitted to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.
Matthew Winder, 39, of Grimsby, was handed a 12 month sentence in February.
His crimes which are said to have taken place over a period of around 20 years, while he was employed at Humberston Park Special School.
But parents say this sentence simply is not long enough.
Around 6000 images were found stored on a device belonging to the defendant.
These images were being used as part of a wider distribution network which included payment.
No physical contact or actions of assault against children involving Mr Winder are thought to have taken place.
There is also no evidence to suggest any of the school’s attendees were involved.
However, the incident has prompted frustration and anger among parents who say they have not been properly informed as events developed.
A number reacted to a previous article on the Gi Grimsby News Facebook page with concerns regarding the length of the prison sentence Mr Winder received given the significance of his crimes.
Several of the parents have now launched a petition calling for Winder’s sentence to be extended, with many stating that they feel ‘let down’ by the 12-month sentence.
Speaking to Gi Grimsby News, one angry parent said: “This sentence just goes to show how outdated our judicial system actually is! Vulnerable children have been put at a massive risk, and will be again in just 12 months. As a parent of a child at this school I feel so let down. This man needs a proper prison sentence. Shocking!”
One said: “12 months is absolutely nothing. It’s pathetic. Where is the deterrent? He will be out again and picking up where he left off in no time.”
“12 months? Is this a joke? Nobody, including the school and the police have any idea whether he has interfered with children in the past. Is putting more children in danger when he is released really a risk we are willing to take?” added another.
So far almost 300 people have signed the petition.
Updates to follow.
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