A 21-year-old Tasmanian man has been sentenced to two years behind bars for sexually abusing a 12-year-old primary school student he met through social media.
Chase John Dixon pleaded guilty to four counts of penetrative sexual abuse of a young person over the incident in August 2024. He will be eligible for parole after serving one year.
The Supreme Court heard Dixon contacted the victim through Snapchat, falsely claiming to be 17 or 18-years-old.
When she told him she was 12, he responded: “Never mind. This conversation never happened,” but continued communicating with her.
Dixon arranged to meet the girl at 4am on August 7, 2024. She climbed out her bedroom window and walked to the meeting point, where he kissed her and took her to his house.
Justice Tamara Jago said Dixon’s behaviour was planned rather than opportunistic.
“You walked to meet her. You spent considerable time in her company before the first act of sexual intercourse occurred. There was ample time for you to reflect upon what you were intending,” Justice Jago said.
The abuse only ended when Dixon’s brother discovered them. Dixon then fled with the child into bushland, leaving her alone and frightened whilst he retrieved his phone.
The girl’s disappearance sparked a police search involving door-to-door enquiries and a public Facebook appeal. She was found after her mother went to Dixon’s address following a tip-off.
A victim impact statement revealed the girl remains severely affected, experiencing anxiety, sleep difficulties and feelings of shame. Her family relocated from their small community due to embarrassment.
Justice Jago noted several aggravating factors, including Dixon’s knowledge of the victim’s age, the planned nature of his actions and the significant harm caused.
“Sentences for this crime must be effective as a general deterrent to others who may be tempted to act in this way and by deterring others, the court can hope to protect other young people,” she said.
“The primary aim in sentencing matters of this nature is to reinforce the need for the protection of children.”
Dixon will also be placed on the sex offender register for five years following his release.
Sexual assault support services:
Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
Other helplines:
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Tasmania’s Victims of Crime Service: 1300 300 238
CLAN Care Leavers Australia Network 1800 008 774
