Matthew Nicholas, was jailed for 16 years at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (Picture: Getty Images)

A mum has described how a man ‘shattered’ the lives of her children after he sexually assaulted them.

Matthew Nicholas, of no fixed address, was jailed for 16 years at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.

He had been found guilty of 10 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

The court was told how Nicholas sexually assaulted two young children on multiple occasions between 2015 and 2020.

In an emotional statement read out to the court, their mum who has not been named, said: ‘His actions have shattered the lives of my children. He has robbed them of their childhood.

‘One of my children used to be outgoing and giggly. Now they lack confidence around big crowds and have become angry and easily frustrated.

‘My other child cries often and suffers from constant nightmares, their sleep has really been affected by the trauma.

‘I found out about this just as the pandemic hit. I was very isolated and the only contact I had was with Anna, the police officer on the case.

‘I am unable to trust anyone with my children.’

More: News

Nicholas was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and two restraining orders.

Anna Toogood, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: ‘I must commend the incredible bravery and strength of the victims shown throughout this case after suffering horrific crimes like this over such a long period of time.

‘This was a particularly vile case where Nicholas, who was in a position of power, took advantage of two young girls.

‘I hope this sentence reassures both the victims and their families that people like this are dealt with swiftly and get the justice they deserve.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

‘His actions have shattered the lives of my children. He has robbed them of their childhood.’