Child Predator Convicted For Attempted School Abduction In Newmarket
Posted August 24, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Parents in York Region breathed sighs of relief Friday, after a child predator was removed from their community with a string of convictions.
Matthew Byers, 31, could spend the rest of his life behind bars, and will face sentencing on September 17th on charges including attempted murder, attempted kidnapping and possession of child pornography.
“He was obviously very much a danger to the children, this individual certainly was a risk,” said Det. Greg Connolly of the York Regional Police Sexual Assault Bureau.
“The proximity to the schoolyard where he was located … he was a great threat.”
Byers was initially arrested in 2005 after he was found by cops in a wooded area near a Newmarket school with a backpack filled with electrical wiring, duct tape and child porn. An investigation led police to believe he had plans to kidnap a young girl and it was alleged he also broke into the home of another girl in April of the same year.
Now, just days before the new school year begins, parents that lived near where the child stalker once lurked say they couldn’t be more relieved.
“I’m glad that there was a conviction, and that this person will get the help that they need,” said mother Helga Mays.
