The stepbrother of murdered schoolgirl Becky Watts has been sentenced to life behind bars. Matthews, 28, will serve a minimum of 33 years in jail before he can apply for parole.
Matthews’ girlfriend, Shauna Hoare was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 17 years.
Matthews suffocated Becky, 16, at the family home on 19 February before he moved it to the house he shared with Hoare, 21. During the trial horrifying details came to light, including how Matthews had used a circular saw to dismember Becky’s body.
Matthews claimed he had killed Becky after a ‘kidnap’ plan went wrong. He claimed he wanted to scare her and teach her a lesson, after he claimed she wasn’t respectful to his mother. But at Bristol Crown Court Mr Justice Dingemans said “the planned kidnap of Becky was for a sexual purpose.”
It came to light during the trial that both Matthews and Hoare had a fixation with teenager girls and it later emerged that Matthews was watching pornography every day.
Finishing up his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Dingemans told the court: “Finally I should like to pay public tribute to the family of Becky for the dignified way in which they have conducted themselves throughout these proceedings.”
“Hearing the evidence during the trial has been difficult for anyone but it is plain that it has been an immense burden for the family.”
It’s reported that as he left the courtroom, the judge had tears in his eyes.
Following the sentencing, DS Mike Courtiour said: “Matthews and Hoare have never shown any remorse for their grotesque actions and today’s sentence reflects their refusal to take full responsibility for their callous crimes.
“Our thoughts remain with Becky’s families and friends who have suffered unimaginable pain and distress over the past nine months.”