Description
A rapist who told "outlandish" lies to discredit DNA evidence linking him to his crimes has been branded "a pathetic, dangerous man" upon being jailed.
Ricky Dighton, 39, denied abusing his victim, claiming "a number of sons in the world" he might have fathered could be responsible for the scientific evidence. He also accused involved parties of lying for money.
After pleading not guilty to multiple charges including rape and assault by penetration, he was convicted by a jury in August.
At his December 18 sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, where he maintained innocence, Judge Gareth Branston deemed him a public danger, condemning his "appalling, selfish and wanton" behavior for sexual gratification.
The court heard devastating details of the "overwhelming" consequences. The prosecutor, visibly upset, read the victim's statement detailing severe psychological harm.
Other statements called Dighton's crimes "monstrous," condemned his lack of remorse, and described "the most horrific" acts of abuse, while praising the victim's "extraordinary bravery."
Defense counsel Beverley Cherrill admitted little could be said given his "vehement" denials, urging no extended sentence as risk could be managed via custody, sex offender notification, and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Judge Branston disagreed, imposing a 26-year extended sentence for significant risk: 22 years' imprisonment (serving at least two-thirds before parole consideration) plus four years' extended license.
He said the jury "saw through your lies" about "unidentifiable and mysterious" individuals, noting "immeasurable, everlasting and crushing" harm 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," Judge Branston added. "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."
Mitigation was limited to no relevant or recent convictions.
In conclusion: "Ricky Dighton, you are a pathetic man for not taking responsibility and a dangerous man."
Dighton must serve 14 years and eight months before parole eligibility, then face lifelong sex offender notification and an indefinite SHPO. His only reaction was a phone gesture to supporters as he left the dock.