June 2015 Man jailed for 14 years for sex offences against young girl THE victim of a predatory sex attacker who repeatedly raped her as a child, has spoken out. Brian Fairchild, 77, of Gordon Road in Corringham was jailed for 14.5 years when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court last week. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “”This was a very difficult thing to do and I struggled at times, but after many years of support and counselling, I was finally able to speak to police. “Essex Police and Dc Sedgwick have been magnificent and showed belief in me from the outset, never doubting my account, which for me was one of the most important hurdles to overcome. “It has been very difficult for me to go through the court process but I was determined that my abuser would see justice for his crimes and I am glad this has finally been achieved. “I cannot thank Essex Police and the courts enough for what they have done.” Fairchild, a former Essex fireman, was found guilty of six charges of indecent assault and one charge of rape. But a jury convicted him on a unanimous verdict at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, April 30. The offences were committed against a girl aged under 14 between 1974 and 1984 in the Thurrock area. He was jailed for a total of 174 months – 14 years for the rape charge, eight months each for two counts of indecent assault, three years each for three counts of indecent assault and four years for a sixth count of indecent assault, all to run concurrently. He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and indefinite registration of the Sex Offenders Register. Dc Chris Sedgwick, of Braintree CID, said: “This has been by far the most challenging and difficult investigation I have dealt with. “Fairchild refused to accept responsibility for his heinous crimes and put his victim through the ordeal of a crown court trial. “The victim has shown tremendous courage in seeing this case through and to speak out against the man at whose hands she suffered for ten years. “She has faced a lot of adversity to finally bring this to a conclusion, when all she ever wanted was to be believed.” May 2015 Paedophile told he will die in prison AN ELDERLY paedophile who continually sexually assaulted and raped a young girl for almost a decade has been told he is likely to die in prison. Judge David Owen-Jones told 77-year-old Brian Fairchild to put his affairs in order, as a “substantial” prison sentence was inevitable for his crimes A young woman in the public gallery broke down and loved ones around her exclaimed “Yes!” under their breath as the jury at Basildon Crown Court found Fairchild, of Gordon Road, Corringham, guilty of six sexual assault charges and one of rape, committed between 1974 and 1982. Mr Owen-Jones said: “A very substantial termof imprisonment is bound to follow. “In terms of his age, good character and health, I require a pre-sentence report. “Imprisonment is inevitable but I will allow him bail in the meantime, in case there are any doctor’s appointments he needs to keep. It also allows him – bearing in mind his age – to put his affairs in order.” Turning to Fairchild, the judge said: “You knew the consequences. I told you, but I want a report before sentencing.” Fairchild had denied the historic abuse, which began when his victim was just nine years old. The jury unanimously found him guilty on all counts after a four-day trial. Fairchild, who appeared dressed in a dark suit and tie, raised his eyebrows and gave a tight, resigned smile to a woman of similar age in the public gallery, as he left the court. Mr Owen-Jones thanked the jury for their help with the case and invited them back to see Fairchild sentenced. He told them: “You have tried this case with patience and tolerance and given it your full thought. “In this country we don’t have a system with a judge sitting alone. We have a jury. “This was an ideal case for a jury and I’m grateful for the way you have approaching this task.” Fairchild will return to be sentenced on Friday, May 29.