Bishop Auckland Rapist Sentenced to 17 Years

BISHOP AUCKLAND RAPIST SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS

A man named Derek Cairns, aged 45 and residing in Brockwell Court, Coundon Grange, Bishop Auckland, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of rapes.

During the sentencing at Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that Cairns continued to deny the charges, despite being convicted by a jury on seven counts of rape, six of which were specimen counts.

The court heard that during one of the attacks, Cairns told the victim, “You know you want it,” and threatened he could do whatever he wanted.

The judge, Simon Hickey, described the offenses as "dreadful" and noted that there was violence involved beyond the rapes.

Cairns was also supported by a letter from a police officer who is his sister.

His barrister provided a reference and a letter from Cairns's parents, emphasizing his character as a hardworking man with no prior convictions and maintaining his innocence.

The judge took into account the positive references but emphasized the severity of the crimes, ultimately giving Cairns a 17-year sentence, half to be served before potential release on licence.

Cairns was also subjected to an indefinite restraining order, prohibited from working with vulnerable adults or children, and required to notify authorities of his movements upon release.