In 2021, the Offender Database recorded that 59-year-old Paul Dixon—formerly of Alfreton Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield—was jailed for nine years for a campaign of sexual abuse against two young girls. The investigation established that Dixon’s predatory strikes occurred over an eight-year period between June 2009 and February 2017. The prosecution reported at Nottingham Crown Court that Dixon targeted victims under the age of 16, using a combination of financial bribery and intimidation to facilitate his crimes.
The investigation established that Dixon abused one of his victims both in his flat and in public spaces. The prosecution reported that he would throw money at the girl to coerce her, leaving her in constant fear of the consequences if she refused to comply. The abuse only came to light after the survivor witnessed Dixon talking to another young child on a tram; fearing he was targeting a new victim, she felt compelled to report his history of violence to Nottinghamshire Police.
Judicial Findings and Sentencing
The court reported that a second victim was also offered money in exchange for performing sexual acts. The investigation established that despite significant delays to the trial caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, both survivors showed incredible bravery by giving evidence in person. The prosecution reported that a jury found Dixon guilty of 11 counts, including four counts of sexual activity with a child and six counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Judge-led proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court concluded on Tuesday, 23 February 2021, with Dixon being sentenced to nine years in prison. For his actions in Sutton-in-Ashfield and across Nottinghamshire and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, he was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Detective Constable Ben Skellern described Dixon as a vile predator and hoped the significant sentence would encourage other survivors of non-recent abuse to come forward.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued at Nottingham Crown Court in 2021:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual activity with a child x4; Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity x6; Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child).
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 9 years in 2021; currently incarcerated).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active (Strictly prohibiting any contact with minors and mandating police monitoring of his residence and digital activity).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court; investigated by Nottinghamshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Predatory offender who abused two girls over an eight-year period; Used money to bribe and control victims; Exploited a public tram network to find targets; Convicted of 11 counts of sexual violence.
- Origin: Alfreton Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Dixon is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Level 3 in Nottinghamshire. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “predatory” resilience and his use of public transport to identify potential victims—he is a priority for the most intensive custodial management. Authorities reported that the 2021 conviction ensures Dixon is removed from the community for a substantial period, providing a permanent safeguard for the public and justice for the survivors.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Dixon’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own gratification over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by Dixon to adhere to his notification requirements or his SHPO in Sutton-in-Ashfield or elsewhere will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the survivor only reported the offender after seeing him “Talking to a child on a tram,” do you believe that “Public Transport Authorities” should legally be required to display posters of known local sex offenders on their networks to help the public identify and report suspicious interactions?
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