Ford Dixon

Ford Dixon, a 35-year-old man from Newton Abbot, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offences committed against two women in Plymouth. The offences, which took place in August and October 2020, involved Dixon meeting the victims online through social media and dating websites before assaulting them in their homes.

The first incident occurred in August 2020 when a member of the public reported that a woman had been attacked and locked out of her address. Upon arrival, Devon and Cornwall Police officers received a disclosure from the woman that she had been raped and assaulted by Dixon, who was located nearby and subsequently arrested. Dixon had raped the woman, leaving her with physical injuries, and showed complete disregard for her consent.

The second assault happened in October 2020, again reported by a member of the public concerning the rape of his friend at her home. Police attended the scene, removed the woman from the address, and she disclosed that Dixon had raped and sexually assaulted her the previous evening. Officers entered the property and arrested Dixon, who was found in bed. In his police interview, Dixon claimed that the sexual encounters with both women were consensual.

Following a thorough investigation by detectives from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, Dixon was charged in 2023. He stood trial at Plymouth Crown Court in October 2024, lasting seven days, and was convicted on three counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault by penetration. The victims, who were not known to each other, demonstrated immense bravery throughout the process, providing evidence that led to his conviction.

At sentencing on 10 January 2025, Dixon was deemed a danger to the public and received an extended four-year licence period, alongside an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and two indefinite restraining orders. He will also be required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. DC Andrea Dominik, the officer in charge of the investigation, described Dixon as a 'sexual predator' who targeted vulnerable women for his extreme sexual gratification, showing no remorse since his arrest. The case underscores Devon and Cornwall Police's commitment to reducing violence against women and girls, ensuring that victims are believed and justice is served.