A Plymouth man who ran a teeth-whitening salon has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for a series of rapes and sexual assaults committed over more than a decade.
⚠️ Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Ricky Stubberfield, 31, of Plympton, was convicted of 23 offences against seven women between 2013 and 2024, following an extensive investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police.
Assaults at Plymouth Teeth-Whitening Salon
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), some of Stubberfield’s offences took place at Essex Smiles, a teeth-whitening and tanning salon in Plymouth, Devon, where he worked as co-owner and manager between 2022 and 2024.
Investigators revealed that Stubberfield contacted several victims via Instagram, offering free or discounted treatments in exchange for promoting his business online. When they arrived for their appointments, he made sexual advances and then assaulted them.
Other attacks were carried out at different locations around Plymouth.
Victims Came Forward After Media Appeal
Stubberfield was arrested in June 2024 following multiple complaints. He was later found guilty at Plymouth Crown Court of:
- Eight counts of rape
- Nine counts of sexual assault
- Four counts of assault by penetration
- One count of making indecent images of a child
- One count of exposure
He was sentenced to 26 years in prison, with an additional six years on licence after release, and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Judge Linford described Stubberfield’s behaviour as “utterly remorseless predation.”
Police Investigation: Operation Highrock
Stubberfield first came to police attention in February 2022, when a 16-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted by him on multiple occasions — including one incident at Plymouth Pavilions and another at Plymouth Hoe.
This report led to Operation Highrock, part of Project Gemstone, a specialist sexual offences unit run by Devon and Cornwall Police.
After additional victims came forward in 2024, Stubberfield was charged with multiple serious sexual offences.
A local media report later prompted even more survivors to contact police. Many had believed they were the only victims, as Stubberfield’s predatory behaviour had been dismissed by some acquaintances as “just Ricky.”
Abuse of Victims at Essex Smiles
Between 2022 and 2024, Stubberfield assaulted five women in their 20s at his salon.
- Four were touched inappropriately during teeth-whitening treatments.
- Three had been targeted through his social media promotions.
- A fifth woman was exposed to indecent behaviour while visiting the salon with her toddler.
Victims described feeling trapped and terrified, unable to move or speak while being assaulted.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage
Detective Inspector Marcus Hodges, senior investigating officer, praised the bravery of the victims, saying:
“My utmost thanks and praise go to the victims who had the courage to report the offences, support the police investigation, and give evidence in court. Their strength and bravery are admirable, and I hope this outcome helps them find closure and move forward with their lives.”
