A convicted child rapist and former prison guard took his own life after being consumed by the terror that his horrific past would be exposed to his new community.
Matthew McVey, 32, was found dead at his home in Aberdeen just months after being released from HMP Grampian, where he had ironically been serving a sentence as an inmate. An inquest into his death heard how McVey was haunted by the fear that people would discover he was a registered sex offender.
A Life Built on a Lie
McVey had managed to secure a job as a prison officer at HMP Grampian, a position of authority and trust, while hiding his dark secret. However, his past caught up with him when he was convicted for the rape of a young girl and was subsequently incarcerated at the very prison he once guarded.
After his release, McVey moved to a new area in an attempt to start afresh. But instead of finding peace, he was paralysed by anxiety. A note found near his body spoke of his overwhelming fear of being 'found out' and shunned by his new neighbours and acquaintances.
A Tragic End
Emergency services were called to his address on May 17th, 2023, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit concluded there were no suspicious circumstances, confirming his death was a result of suicide.
This case highlights the devastating personal consequences of sexual crimes, not only for the victims but also for the perpetrators, and raises serious questions about the rehabilitation and monitoring of offenders in the community.
