In 2024, the Offender Database reported that Ricky Dighton, then 39, of Kent, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.
Ricky Dighton was handed a 26-year extended sentence after being convicted by a jury of multiple serious offences, including rape and assault by penetration. The court heard that throughout the trial, Ricky Dighton maintained a “pathetic” and “monstrous” defence, claiming he had been “stitched up” despite scientific DNA evidence linking him to the crimes with a “billion to one” certainty.
In a bizarre attempt to deflect blame, Ricky Dighton suggested to the court that the DNA evidence might belong to one of a “number of sons” he claimed to have possibly fathered across the world. Judge Branston dismissed these claims entirely, branding Ricky Dighton a dangerous man who refused to take responsibility for the “most horrific” acts of abuse he had committed.
The prosecution read a harrowing victim impact statement that detailed the severe psychological harm caused by the attacks. Ricky Dighton showed no remorse during the hearing and further insulted his victim by accusing the involved parties of lying simply to obtain money. As he was led from the dock, his only reaction was to make a phone gesture to supporters in the public gallery.
The 26-year extended sentence comprises a 22-year custodial term and a four-year extended licence period. Under the terms of this sentence, Ricky Dighton must serve at least two-thirds of the 22 years—amounting to 14 years and eight months—before he is even eligible to apply to the Parole Board for release.
In addition to his prison sentence, Ricky Dighton has been made subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements. Judge Branston also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to ensure the public is protected from the significant risk of serious harm that Ricky Dighton continues to pose.
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