A 35-year-old man from Devon has been sentenced for raping two women he met online
Plymouth: A man from Devon, Ford Dixon, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of raping two women he met on dating apps. The judge made it clear that he considered Dixon a danger to the public.
Dixon, 35, was convicted of multiple counts of rape and assault after a trial last October. The incidents took place in Plymouth between August and October 2020. Both victims, who remain anonymous, had no prior connection to each other.
The court heard that Dixon used charm and flattery to gain the trust of the first woman before he assaulted her. After she refused his advances, he raped her not once, but twice. She managed to escape and sought help from a passerby.
Just two months after his arrest, Dixon targeted another woman, who made it clear she wasn’t interested in anything sexual. However, he went into her bedroom and assaulted her as well.
During police interviews, Dixon denied the allegations, claiming the women had consented. But the evidence told a different story. Victim impact statements revealed the deep emotional scars left on both women, with one expressing feelings of anxiety and loss of trust.
The judge highlighted Dixon’s troubling history, which included numerous previous offenses. He emphasized that Dixon had a pattern of using manipulation and aggression to control his victims.
In addition to his prison sentence, Dixon will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. The judge noted that he would serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.
Detective Constable Andrea Dominik, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims. She emphasized the importance of supporting those affected by sexual violence and encouraged others to come forward.
For anyone needing help, there are various helplines available, including the National Rape Crisis Helpline and local support services.
