Matthew Adams, 35, was sentenced to nearly 10 years’ jail by the ACT Supreme Court. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to child sexual abuse.
A man in his 30s who twice impregnated an underage teenage girl has been sentenced to almost 10 years’ jail over the abuse.
Matthew Adams was 33 when he met the then-14-year-old girl on a bus in 2023. He told her he knew where she could get cannabis and invited her back to his home in Wanniassa, Acting Justice Rebecca Christensen SC said in her sentencing remarks released late last week.
When she told him her age, he jokingly replied, “You’re a bit young, come back when you’re 21”.
But he began having sex with her when she was still 14, and she soon tested positive to a pregnancy test.
When she told Adams she was pregnant, he said, “Yeah, it’s probably mine”.
The girl started suffering cramps and went to a medical centre where staff believed she was experiencing a miscarriage.
Later, Adams and the girl got into an argument before he threw broken glass at her, causing cuts to her legs and face. He then choked her unconscious.
When she woke up, he said something like, “Wow, I’m so sorry, I could have killed you”.
After another argument, Adams grabbed the girl’s finger and twisted it, then kicked her before he choked her on the ground.
When the girl was 15, she again tested positive to a pregnancy test and she and Adams spoke about her being pregnant. He said he could go to jail.
Afterwards, the girl spoke to police about the abuse and had a surgical abortion.
Adams, who was aged 33 and 34 when committing his crimes, has remained in custody since he was arrested in November 2023.
“The offender exhibited a callous disregard for the well-being of the victim, exhibiting a selfish use of her for sexual and emotional engagement,” Acting Justice Christensen said.
“The offending involved the sexual and emotional manipulation of a vulnerable teenage girl who was exploited by the offender.
“It was extremely serious conduct that will likely cause lifelong impacts for the victim.”
Adams, who was 35 years old when he was sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court in late April, is estranged from his parents but maintains contact with two siblings, Acting Justice Christensen said.
He left school after completing Year 10 and began working in a concrete factory, subsequently gaining certificates in construction, horticulture, rural operations and machinery operations.
The father of two obtained a Housing ACT property after moving to Canberra, which is no longer available to him, and also worked for a labour hire company for several years.
Acting Justice Christensen said he had shown progress toward remorse and insight, as well as guarded prospects for rehabilitation.
Adams pleaded guilty to one count of the persistent sexual abuse of a child, two choking-related charges and two counts of assault.
He was sentenced to a total of nine years and 10 months’ jail with a non-parole period of six years and four months, which means he can be released from custody in March 2030.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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