‘MONSTROUS’ RAPIST GIVEN EXTENDED SENTENCE AS DNA LIES ARE EXPOSED
A rapist who told “outlandish” lies in an attempt to disprove his DNA being linked to his crimes has been branded “a pathetic, dangerous man” on being jailed.Ricky Dighton denied he had subjected his victim to any abuse, claiming there might be “a number of sons in the world” he had possibly fathered who could be responsible for the scientific evidence.
The 39-year-old also accused the parties involved of lying and wanting money.
Having pleaded not guilty to multiple charges that included rape and assault by penetration, he was convicted by a jury following a trial in August.
At his sentencing hearing on December 18, Maidstone Crown Court was told he still maintains his innocence.
But on concluding the Maidstone resident represented a danger to the public, Judge Gareth Branston told him he had resorted to “appalling, selfish and wanton” behaviour for his sexual gratification.
Earlier in proceedings, the court heard heartbreaking details of the devastating and “overwhelming” consequences his warped conduct had had.
Amid a packed courtroom, the prosecutor appeared visibly upset as she read out a statement on behalf of the victim in which the severe psychological harm was detailed.
Other statements described Dighton’s crimes as “monstrous”, condemned his lack of remorse, and said he had committed the “most horrific” acts of abuse.
But they also spoke of being “in awe of the extraordinary bravery” shown by the victim.
Beverley Cherrill, defending, acknowledged there was very little she could say on Dighton’s behalf, given his continuing “vehement” denials.
But while accepting he faced many years behind bars, she had urged the court that an extended sentence was not necessary, as any risk posed could be reduced by efforts made in a custodial environment and then managed on release by the imposition of sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Judge Branston decided otherwise, however, and in concluding Dighton posed a significant risk of serious harm he imposed a 26-year extended sentence.
This comprises a 22-year jail term, of which he must serve at least two-thirds before he can even be considered for release, with four years to be added to any licence period.
In his sentencing remarks, the judge told Dighton the jury “saw through your lies” that “unidentifiable and mysterious” individuals had been responsible, and condemned him for the “immeasurable, everlasting and crushing” harm he had inflicted.
“These offences are some of the most serious and damaging.
They involved targeting [the victim] and an ongoing denial in the face of overwhelming evidence,” said Judge Branston.
“There is a total lack of insight, a total lack of empathy.
There is a total lack of insight, a total lack of empathy…” “I am satisfied there will remain for the foreseeable future a significant risk to the public of serious harm by way of the commission of further offences.” The judge added that the only mitigation that could be put forward on his behalf was the fact he had no relevant or recent convictions.
In conclusion, he told the convicted rapist: “Ricky Dighton, you are a pathetic man for not taking responsibility and a dangerous man.” Under the extended sentence, Dighton will have to serve 14 years and eight months before he can apply for parole and, once released, will be subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite SHPO.
