An English Football League assistant referee, Gareth Viccars, has been jailed for more than 13 years after targeting vulnerable teenage girls in a disturbing string of offences.
The case, which shocked both football circles and the wider public, has been hailed as a reminder that justice will always catch up with abusers, no matter their status.
The 47-year-old from Milton Keynes admitted to 16 charges, including sexual communications with a child, meeting a child after grooming, and inciting sexual activity.
His predatory actions spanned three years, between November 2021 and October 2024, and involved three girls aged just 15.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Caroline English handed Viccars a 13-and-a-half-year prison sentence, with an additional three-and-a-half years on licence.
She told him directly:
“You did deliberately target these three young victims and you did so on account of their ages at the material time.”
The judge added:
“I am therefore quite satisfied that in all three cases you preyed upon young women that were vulnerable.”
Despite his guilty pleas, the court noted a lack of full acknowledgment of his sexual interest in children.
Disturbing details were revealed, including messages where Viccars called one girl “little girl” while referring to himself as “daddy” and “teacher.”
The bravery of the victims was highlighted during the sentencing.
One survivor, who trusted Viccars for almost three years, said he had won her over with “kind words” and attention but later isolated and manipulated her.
“Now I know what you really wanted was someone young enough to manipulate,” she said.
Another victim explained how the abuse left her with nightmares, flashbacks, and a shattered sense of self-worth.
She said:
“I’m unsure of myself and I feel I have lost my self-esteem. I feel I am never going to find happiness.”
Judge English reassured them:
“You must not allow your lives to be blighted by seeking to shoulder any responsibility… that would be wholly wrong.”
Viccars was suspended immediately by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) when the allegations surfaced and has since been removed from its list.
A spokesperson stressed that safeguarding remains a top priority in English football.
The Metropolitan Police believe other victims may exist, with Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell explaining that Viccars had been “spamming hundreds of girls on Snapchat.”
He urged anyone affected to contact police on 101, saying:
“You will be entitled to specialist care, specialist advice, and you will be believed.”
