Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A Torpoint man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual offences against children.

Malcolm Dixon, of Valletta Gardens Park View, Liskeard, pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, one count of indecency and one count of sexual assault at Truro Crown Court last month.

The trial, which lasted six days, heard how the 57-year-old preyed upon three girls over a period of 13 years. The jury returned unanimous verdicts after only a very short period of deliberation.

On sentencing Dixon at Truro Crown Court on Monday 10 November, judge John Trevaskis condemned him for showing “no expression of remorse” for his actions and his continued denial of the allegations.

He said: “I find the offences both in isolation and combination are so serious that only sentences of immediate imprisonment are appropriate.”

A statement read out from one of the victim’s said: “I have struggled throughout my life, particularly in my relationships, my mental health and my ability to make decisions.”

She added: “I have suffered from extreme bouts of depression and anxiety and continue to live with a panic disorder.”

Another victim said: “He did such unspeakable things to me, that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

She added: “When I heard the verdict I completely broke down. Finally, he had to take accountability even if it was forced upon him. If I could hug every one of those jury members I would – they believed me.”

Dixon was sentenced to the following:

Count 1 – rape: 20 years

Count 2 – rape: 20 years

Count 3 – rape: 20 years

Count 4 - indecent assault: 5 years

Count 5 - indecent assault: 4 years

Count 6 - indecency with a child: 3 years

Count 7 - sexual assault of a child under 13: 5 years

Count 8 – rape: 20 years

All sentences will run concurrently. Under current guidelines, Dixon will not be eligible for release until serving two thirds of his sentence and will then spend the remainder on licence in community. He will also be subject to sex offender notification indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Amy Wooldridge said: “We are delighted with the sentence passed by the court following a four-year investigation into non-recent offences.

“We hope the outcome will bring comfort and closure for the women who not only reported what had happened but supported the long running and complex investigation.

“We also hope it provides reassurance to others who may have been sexually abused that we will investigate thoroughly and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”