This is The Guardian.

Just before we begin, this is a podcast series about sorting and some people might find parts of it difficult to listen to.

Over the last two episodes, we've heard what happened to the women Matthew was targeting online.

How he began close to home in a town called Northwich,

but over the years, started to stalk women all over the country,

until in February 2020,

when Matthew was arrested by PC Kevin Anderson.

I've spoken to so many of Matthews victims for this story,

and all along I've been consumed by this question.

Who is Matthew Hardy?

And why did he do this to them?

For over a decade, Matthew has watched people online,

so the obvious place to start finding out about him

is through his social media.

After all, isn't that what we all do these days?

His Instagram is private, but I find his Facebook.

I click on his profile picture.

Matthew's at a pool party in Ibiza.

Everyone's splashing around in bikinis and swimming trunks, but Matthew's fully dressed. His hands are tucked into his long shorts and mirrored aviators hide his eyes.

He's tall with short, light brown hair and he looks awkward.

Like he's not a part of the party but just standing in front of it.

I keep clicking.

...