"Exceptional" police work saw an evil child rapist sent to prison where he'll likely die behind bars.
William Dixon, 70, sexually abused and psychologically scarred two young boys more than 30 years ago.
He was finally brought to justice last month after being found guilty of horrific sexual offences.
READ MORE: Coward knocked out six of his ex girlfriend's teeth
Jailing him for 21 years, Recorder Ian Unsworth, QC, told him: "It may mean you will never come out."
Now the judge has praised the work of detectives who ensured Dixon didn't get away with his sick crimes.
The predatory Bootle paedophile, who used to work as a railway official at Old Roan train station, was previously jailed for six years in 1997 for raping a young boy.
When arrested over the abuse of the two other boys, Dixon, now of Brock Gardens in Reading, brazenly denied all of the allegations.
That meant the victims - who turned to drink and drugs to cope with their trauma - were forced to give evidence in two trials, after a first jury couldn't reach verdicts.
Recorder Unsworth told Liverpool Crown Court: "It is plain that the defendant's actions had blighted their lives.
"Each of them suffered their own considerable challenges in life as they sought to deal with the traumatic effects of the horrors that befell them as young boys.
"The age of these allegations, long before the existence of the internet, mobile telephones and digital records, meant that the investigation was particularly difficult. This was the more so, given the difficulties that each victim presented with.
"Having presided over this lengthy trial, I came to the clear conclusion that this was an investigation which was exceptional in its depth and scope.
"It is clear that whilst both victims felt that no one would listen, the police in this case ensured that their voices would indeed be heard, that no stone would be left unturned and, as challenging as the case was, that the case would not fail through a lack of industry."
Recorder Unsworth added: "This was an investigation of the very highest standards."
He said: "The interviews that took place were a model of their kind, allowing each victim to tell their account in their own words, set against the background of very old offences and victims who had their own personal challenges.
"The trial before me was in fact the second trial of this matter, the first trial ending with a hung jury.
"I can readily appreciate that to continue to ensure the full engagement of the victims over the period of time that elapsed, exacerbated by the pandemic, would not have been straightforward.
"It is abundantly clear that the considerable support provided to the two victims, throughout this lengthy investigation, has made a significant and positive impact upon their lives.
"Tellingly, at the time of the sentence, one of the victims attended. His physical appearance had changed dramatically since the convictions. He looked a different and younger man - his voice had been heard.
"Each victim owes a debt of gratitude to the police team who made this possible. The public at large similarly have been well served by the conviction and subsequent imprisonment of such a predatory individual."
The judge said he wished to publicly commend the officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Anna Jarowicki; the sexual offences liaison and victim contact and support officer in the case, PC Lyndsey Unsworth; and the witness care officer who supported the victims and witnesses, Elizabeth Barrington.
He asked Sarah Holt, prosecuting, to provide a copy of his remarks to the Chief Constable of Merseyside, Serena Kennedy, and recommended each officer for public commendation.
The judge, who thanked the "highly experienced and skilled" Ms Holt and Dixon's lawyer Michelle Clarke for their "considerable assistance", also praised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
He said: "The CPS had to prepare this difficult case for trial, provide guidance and support, and ensure that the entire process was a fair one, set against the difficult background I have mentioned. I would wish to commend the case lawyer, Maireid Neeson, for her diligent work throughout."
Recorder Unsworth added: "The prosecution and indeed the court was hugely assisted by the work of the case worker Nicola Murphy. In my judgement, her enormous experience, energy and willingness to go the extra mile, made a huge contribution to ensuring that the trial ran smoothly in front of the jury.
"Her work in this case and others throughout the pandemic has been nothing short of exceptional.
"I have no doubt that the CPS are fortunate indeed to have someone of her abilities performing the role that she does. In my judgement, it is clear that she is more than capable of handling the most complex cases that the CPS handle."
Dixon was found guilty of indecency and indecent assaults against one boy, and indecent assaults and offences now classed as rape and attempted rape against the other.
At his sentencing, Recorder Unsworth told him his approach to the trial and his victims was "one of utter contempt".
The two victims - described as "very brave young men" by the judge - were aged between four and 13 at the time.
One victim said feelings of guilt, shame and worthlessness saw him develop a lifelong addiction to drugs and alcohol, funded by petty crime.
The other victim said he was "scarred" for life having turned to drugs and suffered with mental health problems because Dixon "unforgivable" abuse took his "soul away".
Recorder Unsworth told the paedophile: "Whatever difficulties they have had in life, I have no doubt was caused in large part by your actions, which were thoroughly evil."
He noted Dixon - suffering from ill health meaning he is in daily pain and awaiting operations - forced the boys to endure two trials, but now in a pre-sentence report largely accepted his guilt.
Recorder Unsworth said: "It reveals in the starkest way your utter lack of remorse."
Merseyside Police said they didn't have Dixon's mugshot because he attended a voluntary interview.
Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801. In an emergency, always call 999.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
