Newmarket man Matthew Byers declared a dangerous offender

The York Regional Police Sexual Assault Unit is advising the public of a recent court decision, declaring a Newmarket man a Dangerous Offender.

On Wednesday, July 6, 2011, Matthew BYERS, 36, of Newmarket, appeared before The Honourable Guy P. DiTomaso after previously being convicted of Attempt Murder, Attempt Kidnapping x 2, Attempt to CommitAggravated Sexual Assault x 2, Break and Enter with the Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence and Possession of Child Pornography, in connection with a 2005 incident. Following his conviction on Friday, August 24, 2007, after a trial that lasted four weeks, the Crown Attorney was successfully granted permission to pursue an application to have Mr. BYERS declared a dangerous offender.

On Friday, April 29, 2005, at approximately 8:50 a.m., officers were responding to another incident, when they spotted Mr. BYERS in a forested area behind Glen Cedar Public School, located on Wayne Drive in the Town of Newmarket. The officers questioned the man, who did not appear to belong in the area. Through investigation he was found to be in possession of a knapsack containing images of child pornography. He was placed under arrest and further investigation into the accused and the contents of the knapsack, which included duct tape, gloves and electrical wire, led police to believe he was going to kidnap a female child.

Further investigation substantiated that he had broken into the home where a female child resided earlier in April, 2005. Investigators determined that the accused had an elaborate plan in place that had been interrupted. No child sustained any injuries as a result of the actions of the accused.