MICHAEL DIXON SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON AT ABERDEEN HIGH COURT
At the High Court in Aberdeen today, Lord Burns sentenced Michael Dixon to four years of imprisonment after he was convicted of multiple charges of sexual abuse.During the sentencing, Lord Burns made the following statement in court: "You were convicted on 12 March 2021 of serious sexual abuse offenses from the late 1980s, which included vaginal rape and anal penetration.
These acts occurred on numerous occasions.
Your victim was between 11 and 12 years old, while you were 14 to 15, and she remains deeply traumatized, as was evident from her testimony.
You continue to deny the abuse and seem unable or unwilling to accept responsibility." He continued, "You also abused another child when she was 9 years old; you were 17 to 18 at the time.
You deny these offences as well.
Your past convictions include sexual offences committed in June and September 1990 against three young girls aged 7 and 9.
In 2001, you abused another nine-year-old girl on one occasion.
Your offending spanned from 1987 to 2001, predominantly between 1987 and 1991 when you were aged 14 to 18." Lord Burns noted, "I must consider that you have not reoffended since 2001, and there is no suggestion that you now pose a significant risk of further offending.
The current assessment classifies you as low risk, which contrasts with earlier evaluations at the time of the offences." He added, "The Social Work report indicates that some of your past offending may have been related to adolescent problems which you have apparently managed to overcome.
Despite your denial of recent offences, you seem to recognize the harm caused to your victims and have made efforts to desist from further offending." Lord Burns acknowledged that Dixon is now 47 years old, has a stable relationship, and has built a new life with a good employment record.
He also praised Dixon for his initiative in supporting mental health work in his last job.
"The offences for which you have recently been convicted are very serious and warrant a substantial custodial sentence," the judge stated.
"While I take into account your age at the time of the crimes, public protection does not materially influence this sentence." He concluded, "Considering all circumstances, I am sentencing you to a total of four years, which will be backdated to 12 March 2021.
You will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely."
