Description
A paedophile motivated by “sexual power and control”, and a “sexual attraction to children”, is starting a 28-year prison sentence.
Classed as, an offender, “of particular concern” and considered a danger to children, Trevor Cairns must serve at least two-thirds of that sentence, almost 19 years, behind bars before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
But Newcastle Crown Court heard he may have to serve longer and, due to his infirmity, at the age, now, of 66, he may never enjoy his liberty again.
Cairns was convicted of a litany of “horrific” sexual offences against three children, two girls and a boy, spanning a number of decades, beginning when he, himself, was a teenager.
The court heard his offending dates from the late 1960s onwards, but it was only in 2018, when one of his victims came forward after discovering Cairns had been issued with a caution over another allegation of sexual abuse, in 1987, that the full picture of his crimes began to emerge.
When he realised he had not been Cairns' only target, the victim decided to come forward to report the actions of the man who preyed on him when he was a young boy, subjecting him to sexual abuse and raping him in the 1980s.
Cairns, of Barmston, Washington, was brought in for police questioning and gave a statement denying the offences, before being charged with multiple sexual offences.
Detectives then traced two further victims, who had gone on to lead lives away from the North East.
Both gave accounts of the abuse they suffered in their younger lives, at Cairns’ hands, and assisted police in helping to put him behind bars.
Having made blanket denials about all the allegations, it was only several days into his trial, at the court in February, as he was due to try to give evidence in his defence, that he changed pleas and admitted 13 charges.
These included five of rape, four of indecency with a child, three of indecent assault and one of buggery.
Several of the charges related to multiple offences against each of the victims.
Addressing the sentencing hearing today (Thursday May 18) the two female victims tearfully read impact statements to the court.
They variously described Cairns as, “a monster” and “an inhuman creature”, and spoke of the effect his abuse has had on their lives.
The court was told despite his late guilty pleas in mid-trial, he went back on those admissions when was interviewed by the Probation Service, preparing a report for the judge prior to sentence.
But, Cairns’ counsel, Jamie Adams, said he does, now, accept committing those offences.
“What this demonstrates is when somebody commits offences as bad as these it’s almost impossible for them to come to terms with it.
“We often see the denial when someone is guilty and they can’t admit to it or own up to it.
“We hear from the victims that he’s some sort of monster.
“One of the things that prompted the guilty pleas as late in the day as it did was Mr Cairns saying how sorry he felt.
“The whole matter can now be put to an end completely.
“He knows he’s completely alienated everyone in this world from him.
“He accepts he is likely to spend the rest of his life custody.
“There might be something there, though, that is not necessarily evil.
“And, any future risk posed by him is lessened by his infirmity.”
Judge Robert Spragg told Cairns that the probation report author’s belief was that: “You are motivated by sexual power and control and a sexual attraction to children.
“You are now 66, with health issues and in a wheelchair.
“You should never be in a position to harm children again.”
Imposing the sentence of 28 years, with at least two-thirds behind bars, Judge Spragg said upon his release Cairns will be subject to a one-year extension on his licence conditions.
The judge also made him subject to the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, notification requirements as a sex offender and restraining orders relating to each of his three victims, all for life.
Speaking after Cairns’ belated guilty pleas, Detective Constable Colin Ramshaw said: "The bravery shown by all the victims is nothing short of astounding.
“They have waited years for justice. Some have waited decades, but their abuser is now remanded into custody awaiting sentence.
"This has been one of the worst cases of prolific sexual offending I have ever seen.
“I really cannot praise the survivors enough.
“I believe they have given hope to others who have also suffered abuse and are yet to come forward.