IVOR TREVILLION: FALMOUTH AND PLYMOUTH PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In October 2011, a disturbing case unfolded involving Ivor Trevillion, a man with a troubling history of predatory behavior, who was ultimately convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed in Cornwall and later in Plymouth. Trevillion, aged 53 at the time of sentencing, had a documented pattern of abusing young boys and girls over a period spanning from 1994 to 2000, during which he resided in Cornwall before relocating to Plymouth.

One of the most harrowing aspects of this case was the impact on a mother whose child was among Trevillion’s victims. She recounted how her world was shattered upon discovering her child's abuse, a revelation that only came to light during the court proceedings years later. Her decision to report Trevillion to the police, despite her son’s initial reluctance, resulted in a familial rift, with her son refusing to communicate with her ever since. Speaking after the trial at Truro Crown Court, the mother, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, described her anguish: “It has been one long nightmare and torn the family apart. Ever since I have felt the guilt – I left my child in his care and trusted him with my most precious possession. How do you build your life back up after this?”

The court heard that Trevillion denied the allegations, claiming the charges were “malicious nonsense” and asserting, “I have not done any of the things they have said.” Despite his denials, the jury unanimously found him guilty of five out of seven counts of sexual abuse involving two boys and a girl in Falmouth, with the offenses occurring between 1994 and 2000. The judge, Christopher Elwen, described Trevillion as having a “predilection to prey on young boys,” emphasizing that his offending involved grooming and significant breaches of trust.

During the trial, the mother revealed that it was the first time she learned the full details of her child's suffering. The court also heard that Trevillion’s history included a 2004 incident where he was reported to police for acting “inappropriately” with a teenage boy in his care. Although he was suspended and later resigned from his position, no charges were filed at that time.

Trevillion’s background was marked by tragedy and instability. His father died when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, Stella, at Grenville Crescent. After her death in the early 1990s, Trevillion struggled with alcoholism and lived at the town’s YMCA, which has since closed. His employment history included work at St Budoc Boys’ Home and Budock Hospital, as well as volunteering with the Falmouth Army Cadets and serving as a football referee. He also participated in community activities, including performing as a dame at Bray Theatre, where he was well-regarded for his singing, guitar playing, and comedic talent.

However, his involvement in community groups was marred by allegations of misconduct. During a performance, Trevillion, volunteering as a stagehand, was accused of groping a child victim while handing over a prop. The theatre’s founder, Ivor Bray, expressed shock at the revelations, stating, “He was with us from the word go and was a talented man; singing, playing guitar and a good sense of comedy. This has given the group a bad name and it’s unbelievable and shocking.”

Following his conviction, Trevillion was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The court also imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which disqualified him from working with children and restricted his contact with minors unless accompanied by parents or guardians. Detective Constable Garry Hainsworth of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward, urging anyone with information to do so. He emphasized that Trevillion’s pattern of volunteering in positions of trust in various groups increased the potential for long-term abuse, driven by motives of power and dominance.