MAN, 80, COMMITTED SEX CRIMES AGAINST GIRL, AGED 7, BUT CANNOT BE JAILED
An elderly gentleman has been identified as the perpetrator of multiple sexual assault incidents involving a seven-year-old girl.John Dixon, aged 80, faced accusations of six sexual offenses against a child under 13.
However, he was deemed too ill to stand trial.
This month, a "trial of facts" has been held at Leicester Crown Court, during which the jury found that Dixon was responsible for the offenses.
The specifics of his health condition have not been disclosed publicly, but Leicestershire Police confirmed that Dixon had been released with an absolute discharge by the court.
Leicestershire Police detective DC Kamran Kalia, who led the investigation, stated that the trial provided some closure for the victim, with whom he has been working since August 2021 to build the case against Dixon.
**READ MORE: Scheme creating ambition and job prospects for offenders at HMP Leicester** DC Kalia, who was part of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit at the time of the allegations, explained: “Our main goal in bringing this case to court was to seek answers for the victim.
Although there was no formal sentence given due to the circumstances, it was crucial that we did everything possible to support her.
I recall my first visit to the victim in August 2021.
She showed remarkable bravery by confiding in a trusted family member about being sexually abused by Dixon during her childhood, with the abuse having occurred over five years.
Taking that initial step of sharing such a painful experience with someone she trusted was an incredibly courageous act.
The family member who was told must have found it profoundly difficult to hear this, but she demonstrated immense support by helping the victim contact the police so an investigation could begin.
At that time, the victim was very candid with me, expressing her desire for justice but also her fears about the legal process ahead.
Following her disclosures, Dixon—who lives in Houghton-Le-Spring, Sunderland—voluntarily participated in an interview, and the investigation continued.
Throughout, support, advice, and updates were provided to the victim.
Dixon was officially charged in August 2022.
DC Kalia added: “It was necessary to conduct extensive inquiries and gather evidence, which took about a year.
We wanted to ensure we had everything needed for the Crown Prosecution Service and that we were fully prepared for court proceedings.
This type of investigation is extremely challenging and lengthy, but it was vital to dedicate the time required to obtain the answers the victim deserved.
Although Dixon was initially charged, it was later determined in court that he was not fit to undergo a traditional trial.
As a result, a "trial of the facts" was conducted, and we remained committed to proceeding with it to seek clarity and justice.
I hope that today’s verdict provides some reassurance to the victim, affirming that she is believed and that our efforts were focused on finding the truth for her.
I also hope it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and trust that we will do everything possible to support them and secure the appropriate justice—despite any obstacles encountered along the way.
