In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Christopher Rixon, then 42, of Holmfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. On Tuesday, 23 July 2019, Rixon, a former director of Monty’s Youth Club in Blackpool, was jailed at Preston Crown Court for a “reprehensible” campaign of sexual abuse against a teenage girl.
The investigation established that Rixon used his position of trust at the youth club to target the victim during the 2010s. Despite his claims that their relationship only began when the victim reached 16 and was consensual, a jury found him guilty of “systematic” abuse occurring when the girl was aged between 13 and 15. The prosecution emphasised that Rixon’s actions were a “vile” betrayal of the community and the young people he was tasked to protect.
Judicial Findings and Trial Verdict
The judge presiding over the case emphasised that Rixon’s behaviour was “calculated” and predatory. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, forcing the survivor to endure the legal process. However, the jury at Preston Crown Court delivered a “critical” verdict, finding him guilty of 16 counts.
The court reported the following convictions:
- Eight counts of rape of a girl aged 13, 14, and 15 (20 years).
- Four counts of sexual assault by penetration (six years).
- Two counts of sexual assault (one year).
- Two counts of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity (five years).
The court noted that the sentences are to run concurrently, resulting in a total of 20 years in immediate custody.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Blackpool, Lancashire, Christopher Rixon was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 20 years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- SHPO: A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was issued to restrict his future conduct and digital access upon any eventual release.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Rixon is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary. His history of exploiting a position of trust as a youth club director to target a child means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Rixon must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address on Holmfield Road, Blackpool. Authorities state that his 20-year sentence reflects the “gravity” of his “persistent” predatory behaviour. Any breach of his registration conditions or his SHPO following his release will result in his immediate return to Preston Crown Court.
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