A MAN who raped and sexually abused three girls over a 13-year period has been jailed for 20 years.

Malcolm Dixon, 57, of Valletta Gardens Park View, Liskeard, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Monday (November 10) after being found guilty of eight sexual offences following a six-day trial.

Dixon had denied four counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, one count of indecency with a child and one count of sexual assault.

A jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts after a short period of deliberation.

Sentencing him, Judge John Trevaskis condemned Dixon for showing “no expression of remorse” and continuing to deny the allegations.

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

The court heard victim impact statements from two of the women, detailing the devastating and lasting effects of Dixon’s offending.

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. 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. 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 received four 20-year sentences for the rape offences, five years for one indecent assault, four years for another, three years for indecency with a child and five years for sexual assault of a child under 13.

All eight sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 20 years.

Under current guidelines, he will not be eligible for release until he has served two-thirds of his sentence. He will then serve the remainder on licence in the community.

He will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.

Detective Constable Amy Wooldridge, who investigated the case, 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.”