Trevor Cairns, a Barmston paedophile driven by “sexual power and control” and a “sexual attraction to children,” is commencing a 28-year prison sentence.
Designated as an offender “of particular concern” and deemed a threat to children, Trevor Cairns is required to serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence, nearly 19 years, in incarceration before he may be eligible for release by the Parole Board.
However, Newcastle Crown Court indicated that he may face an extended sentence and, due to his frailty, at the current age of 66, he may never see freedom again.
Trevor Cairns was convicted of numerous egregious sexual offences against three minors, two females and one male, occurring over several decades, commencing during his adolescence.
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 Trevor 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 Trevor 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.
Trevor 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 Trevor 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 Trevor 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, Trevor 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 monster.
“One of the things that prompted the guilty pleas as late in the day as it did was Mr Trevor 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 Trevor 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, Trevor Cairns would 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 Trevor 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.
“This case shows that it is never too late to come forward, that you will be listened to, and that justice is possible, no matter how much time has passed.
“If you’ve been suffering in silence, now is the time to speak up.”
Anyone looking to disclose a report of any sexual abuse can do so by calling officers on 101 or via the Northumbria force’s website.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.