Ricky Dighton

Ricky Dighton, a 39-year-old resident of Maidstone in Kent, England, was sentenced to a 26-year extended term following his conviction for serious sexual offences including rape and assault by penetration. The case, heard at Maidstone Crown Court, highlighted Dighton's persistent denial of the crimes despite overwhelming DNA evidence linking him to the assaults.

The offences involved Dighton subjecting his victim to appalling abuse for his own sexual gratification, as described by Judge Gareth Branston during the sentencing hearing on 18 December 2025. Dighton had pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges and went to trial in August 2025, where a jury convicted him after he attempted to cast doubt on the forensic evidence. In a bizarre defence, Dighton claimed that the DNA match could belong to one of his unidentified sons, suggesting there might be 'a number of sons in the world' he had fathered who could be responsible. He also accused involved parties of lying and seeking financial gain.

During the proceedings, the court heard devastating victim impact statements that detailed the severe psychological harm inflicted by Dighton's actions. The prosecutor, visibly emotional, read out a statement describing the 'overwhelming' consequences of the abuse. Other statements labelled the crimes as 'monstrous' and condemned Dighton's lack of remorse, while praising the victim's extraordinary bravery. Beverley Cherrill, defending Dighton, acknowledged the difficulty of her position given his vehement denials but argued against an extended sentence, suggesting that risks could be managed through custody, sex offender notifications, and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Judge Branston rejected this, determining that Dighton posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public. He imposed a 22-year custodial term, of which Dighton must serve at least two-thirds (14 years and eight months) before parole eligibility, followed by a four-year extended licence period. The judge remarked, 'The jury saw through your lies' about 'unidentifiable and mysterious individuals,' and emphasised the 'immeasurable, everlasting and crushing' harm caused. He further stated, 'These offences are some of the most serious and damaging. They involved targeting [the victim] and an ongoing denial in the face of overwhelming evidence.' Concluding, Judge Branston called Dighton 'a pathetic man for not taking responsibility and a dangerous man,' noting his total lack of insight and empathy.

Upon sentencing, Dighton will be subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite SHPO. The only mitigation considered was his lack of relevant or recent convictions. The case was reported by KentOnline, with the sentencing occurring amid a packed courtroom that included supporters in the public gallery, to whom Dighton gestured with a phone sign as he was led away.