June 2009

Pervert jailed indefinitely

A pervert who made lewd remarks to young schoolgirls, and told one he was going to rape her, has been sent to prison indefinitely.

Timothy Dighton, now 23, will not be released from jail until the authorities believe he is no longer a threat to youngsters.

From September 2007, Dighton, who was often with his Jack Russell dog, was seen acting suspiciously around children’s play areas and hiding in the bushes, St Albans crown court heard on Monday.

Prosecutor Laura Blackband said that over a four month period last summer, Dighton, who lived in a top floor flat opposite a junior school in Rickmansworth, approached three girls.

A ten-year-old girl returning home after netball practice hid behind a tree after Dighton had asked if he could look up her skirt. He also offered her a lift home and some money. When she was sure he had gone she ran, crying, back to school and told a teacher.

Dighton approached a 13-year-old in the street as she was on her mobile phone. He looked her up and down and made a lewd comment. She ran home and raised the alarm.

He then asked an 11-year-old girl on her way to school if he could look up her skirt. He blocked her way on the pavement and said: “I am going to rape you.”

She ran off and reported what had happened to a teacher.

Miss Blackband said that Dighton was stopped later that day, September 26, by the police and arrested on suspicion of abduction. Officers found a “Children’s Activity Book” in his flat, which contained sexual references.

Dighton, of Shepherd’s Lane, Rickmansworth, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to seeking to induce sexual activity with a child aged under 16. He also admitted two public order offences.

Defence barrister Peter Darlson said it was a “sad and disturbing case”. He said Dighton had no previous convictions and that the “puerile words” he used were no more than an expression of his fantasy.

He said Dighton had a troubled life and had received no guidance during his upbringing. He said he had been the victim of an attempted rape.

“This is a young man who has had a difficult life and needs help and guidance. He recognises what he did was wholly wrong. He is deeply ashamed of his activities and is vulnerable and needs professional support.”

Judge John Plumstead passed an indeterminate sentence for public protection, which he said meant that Dighton will not be released until he is considered safe. He must serve a minimum of two years before he can apply for parole.

He said: “Untreated this man is a serious offence waiting to happen.”

He told him: “You should receive treatment in prison.”

The judge passed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which means that on his release Dighton cannot approach anyone under 16, cannot loiter within 100 metres of a school, cannot carry out paid or voluntary work with children and must register for life as a sex offender.