Ex-Ref Gareth Viccars Jailed for Horrific Snapchat Child Sex Abuse
Gareth Viccars, 47, was slammed with a 14-year prison sentence on Thursday, October 2, after admitting to 16 child sex offences involving three young victims. The former pro football referee used Snapchat to groom vulnerable girls, calling himself “dad” and the children “little girls” in chilling messages.
Snapchat Grooming Nightmare
Viccars exploited social media to trap his victims. With a 25-year refereeing career, including officiating English Football League matches since the 2018-19 season, his fall from grace shocked football fans nationwide. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) swiftly suspended him when the horrific allegations surfaced.
Disturbing Abuse Exposed at Snaresbrook Crown Court
Prosecutor Charlotte Newell KC revealed how Viccars began messaging a Romford schoolgirl in November 2021. Only four days later, he drove from Milton Keynes to Romford, picked her up after school, and sexually abused her.
“You took a girl that loved you more than anything and then you destroyed her,” the victim told Viccars during an emotional impact statement.
The girl explained how Viccars’ “kind words” and “attention” fooled her, isolating her “in plain sight.” Another victim met him on Snapchat and endured similar grooming. Despite denying any sexual interest in children, prosecutors played a voice note where Viccars called a victim “little girl” and himself “daddy” and “teacher.”
One victim recalled Viccars laughing during an assault and talking about wanting to rape her. She said his actions left her with nightmares, flashbacks, and shattered self-esteem. The third victim confronted Viccars in a park, hoping to expose him. He sexually assaulted her, but nearby teens chased him off, shouting “paedo.”
Judgement and Police Appeal
Defence lawyer Laura Blackband admitted Viccars’ behaviour was “disgraceful,” mentioning his troubled past and alcohol struggles. Viccars called himself a “Poundland Charlie Sheen,” admitting he’d brought shame to the refereeing world.
Judge Caroline English condemned Viccars for targeting vulnerable girls. She acknowledged his guilty pleas but slammed his refusal to admit sexual interest in children.
“Viccars’s offending is shocking. He reached out to young girls, built relationships through lies, then sexually assaulted them,” said Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell, leading the Metropolitan Police investigation.
The Met is urging anyone who suspects they or their children may be victims to come forward. Authorities warn there could be many more unreported cases. Specialist support is available through police and independent charities to help victims rebuild their lives.
