© Tom Blewitt – Predator Awareness
An English Football League referee has been sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison after admitting to a series of child sex offences involving three teenage girls. Gareth Viccars, 47, of Shackleton Place, Milton Keynes, pleaded guilty to 16 charges including sexual communication with a child, grooming, and sexual activity with minors.
The offences, which took place between November 2021 and October 2024, targeted three 15-year-old girls. Viccars exploited their vulnerability, initiating contact via Snapchat and manipulating them through deceptive and coercive tactics. Prosecutor Charlotte Newell KC revealed that Viccars used disturbing language in his communications, referring to himself as “daddy” and “teacher” while calling one victim “little girl.”
One of the victims, who had trusted Viccars “completely” for nearly three years, delivered a powerful statement in court: “Now I know what you really wanted was someone young enough to manipulate.” Another described the lasting psychological damage, saying, “I struggle to sleep, I have had nightmares… I feel I am never going to find happiness.”
Judge Caroline English condemned Viccars’s actions, stating, “You did deliberately target these three young victims… I am quite satisfied that in all three cases you preyed upon young women that were vulnerable.” She emphasized that responsibility lies solely with Viccars and urged the victims not to blame themselves.
Despite Viccars’s guilty pleas and claims of remorse, the judge noted his failure to acknowledge a sexual interest in children. His defence cited a troubled upbringing and alcohol issues, but the court remained firm in its judgment.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in the Premier League and EFL, confirmed Viccars was suspended immediately after the allegations surfaced.
Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell of the Metropolitan Police warned that Viccars may have targeted many more victims, having reportedly messaged hundreds of girls using deceptive tactics. “He began with a profile of ‘sorry I think I’ve added the wrong person’, and then he would go in to lie, manipulate them, and then go on to abuse them,” Morrell said.
Viccars will serve an additional three and a half years on extended licence following his release. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been contacted or harmed by Viccars to come forward.
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