A former EFL referee from Milton Keynes has been sentenced to over 13 years in jail for multiple child sex offences.

Gareth Viccars, 47, of Quadrans Close, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to 13.5 years with three and a half on license following a sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Thursday 2 October. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Viccars has previously plead guilty to 16 counts relating to sexual offences, including sexual activity with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming, at the same court on Friday 11 July. The offences relate to three victims and took place between November 2021 and October 2024.

At the time, Viccars had been working as an assistant referee. In a statement, the refereeing body for professional football in England, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said he was suspended “as soon as the allegations came to light”.

The Metropolitan Police in London have said they are now leading an appeal for other potential victims to come forwards, following an investigation which was supported by the Northamptonshire Police and Cambridgeshire Police forces.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell, who led the Met’s investigation, said, “Viccars’ offending is shocking. He would regularly reach out to young girls, who he would build relationships with using lies and manipulation and then sexually assault.

“Today’s sentencing reflects the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, with our increased specialist teams working together with partner police forces to strengthen the evidence.

“We are appealing today for anyone who believes they or their children may be a victim of Viccars to come forwards. We believe there may be hundreds of further victims who have not yet reported to the police.

“Any further victims are entitled to receive specialist support and guidance, not only from the police but independent charities and services.”

Following Viccars’ sentencing, the Metropolitan Police said that their detectives are appealing for any other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Detectives suspect there could be hundreds of girls who Viccars committed offences against, due to his random and widespread messaging. Despite using an alias name and routinely changing his social media accounts, the methods and lies he had made up about his life are recognisable as they were consistent throughout his offending.