A man who sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl whilst staying overnight at a friend’s house has been convicted following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Matthew McKenzie, 47, of Totterdown, Bristol, was found guilty on Wednesday 4 February of one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on Tuesday 17 March at the same court.
The child immediately informed her mother of the attack, prompting police to be called to the address where McKenzie was arrested. His swift apprehension followed the victim’s disclosure of what had occurred during his visit to the Bristol property.
The jury heard evidence that McKenzie stayed overnight with friends at the address in June 2023. During the visit, he touched the girl, then aged eight, with his penis and made her touch his penis. The court was told he also offered to take her to the park if she would perform oral sex.
Prosecutors presented the case to the jury, who deliberated before returning guilty verdicts on all three charges. The convictions relate to offences committed against a child under the age of 13, carrying serious criminal penalties.
McKenzie will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for 17 March. The court will determine the appropriate prison term based on sentencing guidelines for sexual offences against children.
The victim’s immediate disclosure to her mother proved crucial to the investigation, enabling police to attend the scene and arrest McKenzie before he left the property. Officers were able to secure evidence and take him into custody shortly after the offences occurred.
Bristol Crown Court heard the full details of McKenzie’s actions during the trial, with the jury unanimously agreeing the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The 47-year-old was convicted of all three counts he faced.
The case will return to Bristol Crown Court on 17 March when a judge will pass sentence on McKenzie. Sentencing guidelines for sexual offences against children typically result in significant custodial terms, with courts taking into account factors including the age of the victim and the nature of the offending.
