Jury unanimously convict child sex offender prosecuted by Natalie Bird

Natalie Bird prosecuted Matthew Rattenbury, former director of Club One Hundred Fitness Studio in Leigh-on-Sea, who faced trial at Basildon Crown Court for sexually assaulting a child under 13.

Unusually, the case proceeded without the victim giving evidence. Instead, the jury was played footage of the incident that had been recorded by an eyewitness, which Mr Rattenbury claimed to show him giving the child an innocent massage. The jury unanimously convicted Mr Rattenbury. On 10^th December 2024 he was sentenced to 3.5 years’ imprisonment, with the Judge recommending the Prosecution witness to the High Sheriff of Essex for an award for their actions.

For more information, please see: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24784290.leigh-matthew-rattenbury-jailed-basildon-crown-court/