ADAM DIXON SENTENCED IN WICK FOR SEX OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLBOY AND ONLINE CHAT

In September 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Adam Dixon, a resident of Wick, who was convicted of engaging in a series of sexual misconducts with a young boy and engaging in inappropriate online conversations. The court heard that over a span of three years, Dixon developed a troubling relationship with a schoolboy, which included meeting in person for walks in woodland areas, giving the boy rides in his car, and engaging in sexual acts outside the boy’s home. These encounters were described as a gross abuse of trust, especially considering the victim’s age and the context of their relationship.

Prosecutor Edward Hand, presenting the case at Hove Crown Court, emphasized that Dixon’s actions were particularly egregious because he had previously supported the victim when he came out as gay at the age of 14. Despite this support, Dixon later exploited the trust placed in him, leading to multiple instances of sexual activity. Dixon admitted to deliberately encouraging a child to partake in sexual acts and was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a boy aged 14 or 15.

The judge acknowledged the profound impact these events had on the victim’s life, citing statements from both the victim and his mother that highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological scars. It was revealed that Dixon did not disclose these incidents to authorities until he was in his early twenties, which delayed justice. When police finally arrested him, they seized his phone and discovered a conversation from February 26 of the previous year on the teen chat app Kik. In this chat, Dixon appeared to encourage another user, claiming to be a 14-year-old with two younger brothers aged 11 and three, to engage in sexual acts with the younger sibling while he was asleep. The conversation indicated that Dixon was actively encouraging and becoming aroused by these discussions.

Authorities were unable to trace the other user or determine if any actual crimes had been committed, leading Judge Anthony Niblett to remark that “one has to hope it was fantasy.” During the court proceedings, Dixon, aged 30 and dressed in a suit, sat quietly as the details of his offenses were presented. The prosecution initially charged him with rape, but Mr. Hand requested that this charge be left on file, possibly indicating a plea for leniency or strategic legal considerations. Dixon was ultimately convicted of the charges related to his sexual misconduct and was sentenced to three years in prison, a sentence described as the “least possible” given the severity of his actions.

In addition to his imprisonment, Dixon was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with minors and aiming to prevent further offenses. The court also acquitted him of six charges involving possession of indecent images of children due to insufficient evidence. His family, present in the public gallery, was visibly distressed, weeping as Dixon was led away to serve his sentence. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about online grooming and exploitation, especially involving vulnerable young individuals and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in addressing such crimes.