Matthew Falder: The Disturbing Tale of a Prolific Paedophile
Matthew Falder, once a respected university lecturer and Cambridge University-educated scientist, shocked the world when he was revealed to be one of the UK’s most prolific and sadistic paedophiles. In 2018, Falder was sentenced to 32 years in prison after admitting to a staggering 137 offences, including the sexual exploitation of a child, voyeurism, making and distributing indecent images of children, and encouraging the rape of a four-year-old. But how did a seemingly ordinary man become such a monster?
Who is Dr. Matthew Falder?
Dr. Matthew Falder’s descent into depravity began in 2010 when he was a student at Cambridge University. His alma mater, renowned for its academic excellence, expressed shock and sadness at the revelations of Falder’s heinous crimes. A postdoctoral researcher at Birmingham University at the time of his arrest in June 2017, Falder’s father, Stephen Falder, candidly admitted that the news had turned their lives upside down, leaving the family devastated by the shocking truth.
Falder’s criminal activities remained undetected for eight long years as he preyed on vulnerable victims, mostly via platforms like Gumtree, where he masqueraded as a woman. By coercing victims into sharing explicit images of themselves, which he then distributed on the dark web, Falder perpetrated unspeakable horrors. His sinister methods included blackmailing victims into compliance, threatening exposure if they did not adhere to his demands. The extent of his cruelty was revealed when over 50 victims came forward, traumatized by his actions.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) eventually caught wind of Falder’s despicable activities, leading to his arrest. The agency’s “hurt core” investigation unveiled a dark world of online forums dedicated to the sharing of disturbing content, with Falder at the center of it all. Matt Sutton, a senior investigating officer at the NCA, described Falder’s actions as the most horrifying he had encountered in his three-decade-long law enforcement career. The victims, over 50 in number, displayed immense courage in coming forward and aiding in Falder’s conviction, bringing to light the depth of his evil deeds.
The Sentencing and Aftermath
In February 2018, Falder was handed a 32-year prison sentence by Judge Philip Parker QC, who aptly described his behavior as cunning, persistent, manipulative, and cruel. The judge highlighted Falder’s desire for total control over his victims, causing irreparable harm that would continue indefinitely. Despite the sentence, the damage inflicted by Falder on his victims remains an open wound, a haunting reminder of the abuse they endured.
Following a legal challenge, Falder’s sentence was reduced to 25 years in October 2018 by London’s Court of Appeal. The case garnered significant attention, leading to a documentary series, “Prime Suspect: Hunting The Predators,” focusing on Falder’s disturbing crimes. The episode delves into the NCA’s relentless pursuit of justice in cases of online child exploitation, shedding light on the dark realities of the digital world.
In conclusion, Matthew Falder’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity that can be reached. Despite his facade of respectability, Falder’s true nature as a manipulative predator was exposed, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The scars left by his actions may never fully heal, but the courage of his victims and the dedication of law enforcement in bringing him to justice stand as testaments to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil.
