STACEY DICKINSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN ILLOGAN HIGHWAY AFTER PRISON RELEASE

In November 2006, a disturbing case unfolded involving 31-year-old Stacey Dickinson, a resident of Barncoose Terrace, Illogan Highway. Just two days after serving an eight-month prison sentence for downloading child pornography, Dickinson initiated contact with a 15-year-old girl, engaging in communication through text messages and telephone calls. This rapid re-engagement with a minor raised immediate concerns among her family members, prompting her mother to seek assistance from Social Services.

During an interview with authorities, Dickinson admitted to several inappropriate acts involving the girl. He confessed that they had shared a kiss, removed their upper clothing, and touched each other in a sexual manner. Additionally, he acknowledged taking a topless photograph of her using his mobile phone. These admissions formed the basis of the charges brought against him, specifically for the deliberate sexual touching of a minor.

On the day of his sentencing, Dickinson appeared before Truro Crown Court, where prosecutor Philip Lee outlined the details of the case. The court heard that Dickinson’s actions were not isolated but part of a concerning pattern of behavior following his recent release. The judge, Paul Darlow, sentenced Dickinson to an indeterminate term aimed at protecting the public, with a minimum of 16 months imprisonment before he could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized the gravity of Dickinson’s predatory conduct, stating, “You are a committed paedophile without the slightest consideration for the age and vulnerability of the person you set out to seduce.”

As part of his sentence, Dickinson is required to register as a sex offender for life and is indefinitely barred from working with children. The court also noted that five charges related to making indecent images of children would remain on file, but proceedings on these charges would only continue with further court approval.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Philip Lee highlighted some of Dickinson’s threatening messages to the girl. One message read, “I want a relationship based on trust and great sex,” while another, more alarming, stated, “If you ever leave me I will hunt you down and kill you.” Dickinson claimed that the latter message was intended as a joke, and the girl reportedly regarded it as such.

Defense counsel Michael Melville-Shreeve argued that the relationship lasted less than a month and that Dickinson’s behavior was at the lower end of sexual misconduct with a minor. He emphasized that Dickinson did not set out to seduce the girl intentionally and that he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, suggesting remorse and a lack of premeditation.

Judge Darlow addressed the court, condemning Dickinson’s actions and highlighting the premeditated nature of his conduct. “The conduct complained of clearly demonstrates the planned seduction which you embarked upon within two days of your release from prison for downloading child pornography,” he stated. The judge further explained that although the sexual activity did not reach the most severe levels, the correspondence indicated a clear intent to pursue a full sexual relationship. “I accept you did not go out looking for an encounter with this particular girl, but as soon as the opportunity arose, you took it. You present a risk of serious harm to young girls,” he concluded, underscoring the seriousness of Dickinson’s offenses and the potential danger he poses to the community.