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A British dentist, Ricky Stubberfield, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and abuse, perpetrated against young women he targeted through social media. The case, investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police between 2013 and 2024, reveals a calculated pattern of manipulation where Stubberfield exploited his professional position to gain trust and then abuse his victims.
The Facade of Success
Stubberfield presented a carefully curated image of success on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing his dental work, satisfied clients, and a seemingly perfect lifestyle. However, this online persona masked a predatory scheme to attract young women, many of whom were social media influencers. He offered free aesthetic treatments in exchange for promotional content, using his brand as a lure.
“The accused used the networks as a hunting tool,” explained Inspector Marcus Hodges, who led the investigation. “He knew how to gain the girls’ trust, how to talk to them, and above all, how to get them to lower their guard.”
From Clinic to Abuse
Victims, primarily between the ages of 16 and 27 – including students and those working in digital marketing or beauty – were invited to Stubberfield’s Plymouth office for appointments. It was within the confines of the dental clinic that the abuse occurred. Victims reported being sexually assaulted while immobilized in the dental chair, often during procedures.
In several instances, Stubberfield requested “promotion photos” and then subjected the women to inappropriate and sexually suggestive comments about their bodies. Other victims recounted instances where he displayed sexually explicit content or exposed himself. Between 2022 and 2024, at least five women were attacked on the premises, with one victim reporting that Stubberfield told her, “You can trust me, I am a professional” moments before the assault.
Authorities discovered Stubberfield had installed hidden cameras throughout his business to record images without consent, storing the illicit material on his phone and computer. Raids resulted in the seizure of over 200 files of illegal sexual content.
The Case Unravels
The investigation began in February 2022, sparked by a report from a 16-year-old who alleged Stubberfield had raped her twice that month. The first assault occurred at the Plymouth Pavilions, in a disabled bathroom, and the second in his van following a concert. Crucially, the victim reported a subsequent assault at a house, partially captured on a FaceTime video call with a friend. The friend, noticing suspicious movements reflected in a steel bell, recorded fragments of the abuse, providing key evidence to police.
This initial complaint opened the floodgates, with numerous other women coming forward with similar accounts. All had been contacted by Stubberfield on social media, offered “professional” collaborations, and ultimately become victims of his abuse.
A Decade of Predatory Behavior
The prosecution demonstrated a systematic pattern of predatory behavior dating back to 2013. Stubberfield’s first known victim was a woman he met on a dating site, whom he drugged and sexually assaulted after inviting her to his home. In 2021, another victim reported being raped twice, followed by a message from Stubberfield inviting her to dinner, downplaying the events as a “misunderstanding.”
The court concluded that Stubberfield exhibited a “pattern of emotional manipulation, abuse of power and sexual violence” that escalated over time. The final known attack occurred in 2024, shortly before his arrest. “It was not an isolated event,” stated Judge Robert Linford during sentencing. “It was a series of calculated attacks, committed with premeditation, taking advantage of his position and the vulnerability of his victims.”
During the trial, victims bravely shared their experiences, detailing the lasting trauma inflicted by Stubberfield’s actions. One victim stated, “My body no longer belongs to me. Every day I feel dirty, as if what he did had been etched into my skin.” Another described suffering panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, stating, “I can’t trust anyone anymore. I feel like my life stopped that day.”
Judge Linford characterized Stubberfield’s conduct as “absolutely heartless predation,” highlighting his clear propensity for manipulation and cruelty.
Justice Served, But Scars Remain
Stubberfield was sentenced to 26 years in prison, followed by six years on probation. The court also ruled that he is permanently barred from working in aesthetics or healthcare and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
Detective Inspector Marcus Hodges emphasized the courage of the women who came forward, stating, “Each of them showed extraordinary courage. There is no sentence that will repair the damage, but this ruling sends a clear message: the abuse will not go unpunished, even if the years pass.” Detective Kezia Worden underscored the pivotal role of the 16-year-old’s initial report, stating, “Without that complaint, this man would probably continue acting. Her bravery saved other possible victims.”
