A dangerous man from Newton Abbot has been jailed after raping two women in Plymouth he met online using dating apps.
Ford Dixon, of Keyberry Road, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court following a trial last October where he was found guilty of two counts of rape on one woman, and one count of rape, attempted rape and assault by penetration of a second woman. The offences took place between August and October 2020.
The court heard how Dixon, who is now 35 but was 31 at the time of the offences in Plymouth, met both the women online through dating apps. Despite his later efforts to claim the women conspired to get him into trouble, the court heard that they did not know each other and had never communicated.
The court heard how Dixon had met with first woman in August 2020 through a dating app, asking them for intimate photos, flattering them and making them feel special before asking to visit them. It was stated that while he may not have been aware of the women’s vulnerabilities online, when he met them it would have been obvious to him.
Within a day or two of meeting the first woman Dixon demanded she engage in a sex act and when she refused he raped her. Two days later he raped her again. She fled the house “shoeless and in distress” and a member of the public called police on her behalf. Following his arrest, during interview with police he denied the offences, claiming he had consent. He was released on bail pending further inquiries but just two months later he contacted another woman in Plymouth and in a “similar pattern” he arranged to meet with her.
The court heard the woman made it clear she was not interested in a sexual relationship but was allowed to stay on the woman’s sofa. However he went up into her bedroom and raped her and sexually assaulted her.
During police interview he claimed the woman was an “enthusiastic and willing participant” in the sexual act, claiming she was lying to get him into trouble for “some reason or another”.
Prosecutor Jason Beale read out victim impact statements from both women. One said she was now “more wary” of men now and before the trial did not even want to leave her home. She said she has had to see a therapist and they think she is suffering PTSD. She said she felt disgusted at what happened to her, but felt she had been blamed for it even though she knew it was not her fault.
She said she “hated” Dixon for what he had done to her, adding that he had led her to believe he was “trustworthy”, but that in person he was “argumentative and didn’t seem to care”. She said she now suffers from anxiety and is on medication.
She wrote: “I feel like I’m a different person. I used to be happy, I would always go out and dress quite girly, but now I don’t and that’s what Ford’s done to me. He’s taken away my trust, my confidence and who I used to be.”
The other woman wrote: “I think he’s disgusting. I think Ford is a danger to other women. He’s so manipulative. He said all the right things to me but all he really wanted was what he did. I feel as though he lied and its disgusting. I never want to see him again.”
The court heard Dixon had 24 court appearances for 37 offences including convictions dating back to 2009. These included convictions for possession of extreme pornographic images, offences of violence, public disorder, harassment and breaches of restraining orders. Mr Beale said Dixon had four convictions for harassment and six for breaching restraining orders, including offences involving women.
Recorder Donald Tait told Dixon he had an “unenviable criminal record”, many of which involved “domestically abusive behaviour”. He said it was “abundantly clear to me that you assert power and control over those women who are unfortunate to find themselves in an intimate relationship with you.
“You deceive them and use or threaten to use aggression and violence to put them in fear of you to secure compliance with your wishes.”
Ford Dixon – jailed for raping two women
(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)
He said he took into account Dixon’s learning difficulties and a psychiatric report which concluded that he had a “low average range of intelligence” but added quickly that “that does not mean you did not know what was right and what was wrong – and you admitted so much yourself to me that you have no concerns about anyone other than yourself.”
Mr Recorder Tait said he had had the “distinct advantage” of seeing and listening to both victims during the trial and was “impressed by both of them”. He said he had the same benefit of seeing and listening to Dixon during the trial, adding that he was “not impressed” with him.
He told Dixon he would be subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, would be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. He said he would agree to an indefinite restraining order not to contact the women in any way.
Mr Recorder Tait said he was required to consider whether there was a significant risk to the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission of specified offences. He said that he had “no hesitation in concluding that you pose a danger as defined to members of the public” and as such intended to impose extended sentences.
He handed Dixon an 11 year sentence, made up of nine years in custody and a further two years for the rapes of the first victim. He handed Dixon the same sentence for the rape and attempted rape of the second woman, to run consecutively and six years for the assault by penetration to run concurrently – totalling 18 years in custody and four years extended licence. He was told he would serve two-thirds in custody before his case was referred to the Parole Board who will consider whether he still remained a danger to society.
Before concluding the court hearing, Mr Recorder Tait said he wanted to “express my admiration to [them] for having so long to wait – some four years – for this final day and having the courage to give evidence against this defendant who as I determined I consider to be dangerous. I thank you both and I wish the best for you and your families for the future. Thank you.”
Officer in charge of the investigation, Det Con Andrea Dominik said: “Dixon took the opportunity to commit these serious sexual offences on two vulnerable women following meeting them on social media and dating websites.
“He persisted to meet them at their home addresses, and once there, had complete disregard for their needs, feelings or consent, and his extreme sexual gratification was at the forefront his mind.
“He demonstrated himself to be a sexual predator and has shown no remorse since his arrest. He raped these women in their homes, and this has had a significant impact on their lives, their health and their relationships, and will continue to do so for the rest of their lives.
“Both victims have shown immense bravery and commitment to the investigation and court process. Their ability to give evidence during the trial is a testament to this. I hope the verdict and sentencing can provide some level of conclusion for them. Their voices have been heard, and the result of this case shows that victims will be believed, and justice will be done.
“Devon and Cornwall Police is invested in reducing violence towards women and girls. We recognise that the criminal justice system can sometimes be a difficult process for victims, but there are support measures in place to help them throughout the whole journey. I hope this gives other people the courage to come forward.”
If you require help or assistance relating to sexual abuse, please look at the below list of helplines:
- National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626
- Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
- Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
- Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174
- First Light is an independent charity supporting people in Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.