JASON RIXON, THE DEAF SEX OFFENDER FROM CARDIFF, SENTENCED AFTER CHARGES IN GABALFA AND BEYOND
In a case that has shocked the community of Cardiff, Jason Rixon, a 41-year-old man with significant disabilities, has been sentenced to five years in prison following a conviction for sexual assault.The incident that led to his conviction involved a woman who accused him of rape, an allegation that was thoroughly examined and ultimately confirmed by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court.
Rixon, who worked as a shelf stacker at Tesco, vehemently denied the accusations, claiming that the woman was seeking sexual contact rather than accusing him of assault.
Despite his denial, the jury unanimously found the evidence against him to be compelling and convicted him of the crime.
The court proceedings revealed that the case was not isolated; it was part of a broader pattern of concerning behavior.
One of the most dramatic moments occurred in January 2010 when Rixon caused a major disruption on the roads of Cardiff.
During the evening rush hour, he climbed to the top of the Gabalfa flyover, threatening to hang himself.
His actions prompted an emergency response involving police, ambulance, and fire crews, who were called to the scene to manage the crisis and ensure his safety.
Prosecutor Caroline Rees stated during the trial that Rixon was threatening to commit suicide because of the allegations against him, expressing a desire for the situation to simply disappear.
The court also learned that Rixon’s troubles extended beyond the immediate allegations.
Police had seized his computer as part of an investigation into the sex assault, uncovering indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
These findings added a disturbing layer to his profile as a sex offender.
In April of the previous year, Rixon was given a community penalty that included sex therapy, a sentence that aimed to address his offending behavior.
Further details emerged during the trial, revealing that Rixon had been registered as a sex offender for five years since 2003, following his conviction for possessing an indecent photograph of a child.
However, the prosecution chose not to present these past convictions to the jury, believing they would not contribute to the case of the rape but might unfairly prejudice the defendant.
During the court proceedings, the victim provided her testimony via video link, recounting how Rixon had forced himself upon her despite her clear refusal.
Her account was supported by the evidence presented, leading to his conviction.
Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones QC sentenced Rixon to serve five years in prison, emphasizing that the conviction was based on clear and straightforward evidence.
The judge also ordered Rixon to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and prohibited him from working with children or vulnerable adults in the future.
Given Rixon’s severe disabilities—being blind in one eye, profoundly deaf, and unable to speak—his legal team, led by barrister Heath Edwards, highlighted the challenges he would face in prison.
Rixon’s trial was conducted with the assistance of three sign language interpreters to facilitate communication.
Mr.
Edwards expressed concern that Rixon would find incarceration particularly difficult, as he would be unable to communicate effectively with fellow inmates or staff, adding a layer of complexity to his imprisonment.
