A Cornwall pensioner convicted of paedophilia, Brian Nixon, who exploited two young children over an extended period and deprived them of their childhood, has been cautioned that incarceration will be ‘challenging’ for him.
Brian Nixon was convicted by a jury on multiple counts of sexually assaulting two girls on various times between 2016 to 2023 in the Gunnislake region.
The victim of the 84-year-old recounted the effects of Brian Nixon’s actions on their physical and emotional health during a sentence hearing at Truro Crown Court today (Wednesday, August 6).
One of his victims courageously addressed the court to deliver her personal victim impact statement. She informed the court that she had experienced suicidal thoughts for years, but she feels an improvement knowing that Brian Nixon will be incarcerated for an extended period.
She informed the court of her feelings of depression and stress, as well as the impact of his actions on her sleep patterns and appetite.
She said: “I’m scared of older people. I don’t like men. I don’t like hugging people. I don’t go out. I have an eating disorder and trouble sleeping. I suffer from panic attacks. I am grateful that you will be away for long enough for me to grow up and move on.”
She added: “You stole my childhood. I will never forgive you for what you did to me and my family. I will never get my childhood back.”
In her own statement, which was read out in court, Brian Nixon’s other victim also said her mental health has been suffering for many years, she now struggles at school, suffers from anxiety and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She said: “I have self-harmed as a way to feel something because I feel nothing. You stole 12 years of my childhood. I will never forgive you. I have to carry this for the rest of my life.”
Brian Nixon’s barrister said that since being on remand in prison, he has not been allowed to work due to his age which means he spends 22 hours of the day in his cell. She said prison will be a tough experience for him.
His Honour Judge James Adkin said Brian Nixon had been convicted after a trial of the sexual offences against two children. He noted that he had been a man of previous good character. He said: “You are 84. I accept that prison will be more difficult than it would be for a younger person because of your age.”
He sentenced Brian Nixon to four and a half years in prison. Nixon will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for 20 years while sexual harm prevention and restraining orders will also be in place for 20 years.
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