ROBERT JOHN RIXON PORTHCOWL SWIMMING TEACHER SENTENCED FOR 16 YEARS OF ABUSE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Porthcawl, a former school swimming instructor named Robert John Rixon has been convicted of a prolonged and systematic campaign of sexual abuse spanning over sixteen years. The abuse was inflicted upon five young girls, some as young as 11 years old, while Rixon was entrusted with their care and education at a local school where he managed a swimming and lifeguarding club.

Details emerged during a court hearing at Swansea Crown Court, where prosecutor John Ryan outlined the extent of Rixon’s criminal conduct. The 74-year-old, who resided in Nottage, Porthcawl, exploited his authoritative position within the club to carry out at least 74 separate offences. These included a range of sexual misconduct, such as assault over clothing, assault under clothing, digital penetration, and even a case of rape. Despite Rixon’s plea of not guilty, the jury found him guilty of all charges except one, which the judge directed them to consider as not guilty.

On November 11, the court handed down a severe sentence, sentencing Rixon to 25 years in prison. The judge ordered that he serve two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Rixon received a concurrent sentence of ten years, which includes nine years of custody and one year of extended licence. The court also mandated that he be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

The impact of Rixon’s actions was vividly conveyed through victim impact statements read aloud in court. One survivor expressed her profound sense of betrayal, recounting how Rixon, whom she trusted, robbed her of her innocence. She described the lasting psychological scars, including ongoing anxiety and fears that she has inadvertently passed on to her children. Another victim shared that Rixon’s inappropriate behaviour distorted her perception of normalcy, leaving her afraid to even approach swimming pools as an adult. A third survivor revealed that her childhood dreams of becoming a lifeguard were shattered by Rixon’s abuse, which left her suffering from panic attacks and trauma. The court heard that another victim continues to endure nightmares and flashbacks, recalling her fear of questioning Rixon’s behaviour when she was a child. The fifth victim expressed relief that Rixon would no longer pose a threat and declared her intention to live her life happily and freely.

During the sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards described Rixon as a calculated and manipulative predator who abused a position of trust for his own gratification. She highlighted the devastating and long-lasting effects of his abuse, especially on a girl who was only 11 or 12 years old at the time. The court emphasized that his actions have caused enduring harm and sentenced him accordingly. Following the verdict, a police officer praised the bravery of the victims and urged others to come forward and report sexual crimes, emphasizing that support services are available for survivors. Resources such as Lifecentre, NAPAC, One in Four, Safeline, and The Survivors Trust are accessible to those seeking help, with contact details provided to assist victims in their recovery process.