A convicted sex offender who subjected a woman to a catalogue of horrendous abuse has now been remanded in custody after appearing back before a court today.

Matthew Gardner had been released on technical bail while he awaited sentencing for 14 offences, including nine counts of rape, assault by penetration and controlling or coercive behaviour.

He had previously pleaded not guilty but a jury at Truro Crown Court was unanimous in finding him guilty of all 14 charges following a trial in January.

Now Gardner was back before the court today (Tuesday, February 27) faced with a charge of failing to comply with notification requirements, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

The 34-year-old admitted that on January 19 this year, while being a relevant offender, he failed without reasonable excuse to notify the police within three days of conviction to give his name, date of birth, address and national insurance number.

Gardner, originally from the Isles of Scilly but more recently living in Redruth, was represented in court today by Andrew Taylor, who also defended him during the trial.

Mr Taylor said that Gardner was already due before the court on April 15 this year, to be sentenced for his previous crimes.

Following today’s further guilty plea, he suggested remanding Gardner into custody until that date, to be sentenced for this latest offence at the same time.

Describing it as a “sensible” plan, Judge Simon Carr remanded Gardner into custody, removing bail on all matters, to return before the court in April.

Gardner appeared in court today via video link, having already been remanded in custody by magistrates last month.

He first appeared before Truro Magistrates Court on January 25 charged with the notification offence.

The magistrates sent the case to the crown court and remanded him in custody until that time.

Gardner had previously been released on conditional bail, with a restraining order in place, to allow for a pre-sentence report to be completed ahead of sentencing.

However, he was told by the judge at that time: “It is absolutely inevitable that a custodial sentence will be imposed at the time of your sentencing.”

The jury took just two and a half hours to agree a unanimous verdict of guilty on all charges.