'Sexual predator' raped women in their homes

A "sexual predator" has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping women he had met online at their Plymouth homes.

Ford Dixon, 35, of Keyberry Road, Newton Abbot, attacked two woman he met online, in August and October 2020, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

The officer who led the investigation said Dixon was a "sexual predator who showed no remorse to the women, who were unknown to each other.

He was also given an extended four-year licence period, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and two indefinite restraining orders and will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Devon and Cornwall Police arrested Dixon in August 2020 after they were called to reports that a woman had been attacked and locked out of her address.

She told police she was raped and assaulted by Dixon, who was found nearby.

The force said Dixon raped the woman and left her with physical injuries.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, details of help and support is available on the BBC Action Line.

Police received a report in October 2020 that another woman had been raped at her home.

She told officers that she was raped and sexually assaulted by Dixon the previous evening and that he was still there and police arrested Dixon in bed.

He claimed sex with both of the women was consensual, police said.

Dixon was charged in 2023 after an investigation by the Sexual Offences Investigation Team.

He was convicted of three charges of rape, one attempted rape charge and one count of assault by penetration after a seven-day trial in October 2024, and was remanded in custody before his sentencing.

The 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."

She said: "He demonstrated himself to be a sexual predator and has shown no remorse since his arrest."

Det Con Dominik said the attacks on the women in their homes have had a considerable impact on their lives and would "continue to do so for the rest of their lives".

She added: "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."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].