JOHN CAIRNS, SOUTH SHIELDS SEX OFFENDER, FOUND DEAD IN PRISON CELL AT HMP FRANKLAND

In a tragic development, John Cairns, a convicted sex offender from South Shields, was discovered dead in his prison cell at HMP Frankland on March 16. Cairns, aged 73, had been serving a 12-year sentence after admitting to a series of heinous crimes involving young girls. Prison staff found him unresponsive, and authorities believe his death was due to complications related to cancer. Efforts are currently underway by police to locate and notify his family members, with reports suggesting he may have a sister.

John Cairns’s criminal history is marked by a long and disturbing pattern of sexual offenses spanning several decades. His criminal activities first came to light in 1953 when he indecently assaulted his first victim. Over the years, his predatory behavior escalated, culminating in a series of serious convictions. In 2001, Cairns was sentenced to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful sex with a girl under 13, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. These offenses involved young girls, one of whom was just seven years old, and took place at his bedsit during the 1980s and 1990s.

Details of Cairns’s criminal past reveal a disturbing history of violence and exploitation. It was reported that he had previously served a 10-year sentence following attempts to rape a woman and attempts to strangle another during street attacks in 1966. His criminal activities date back to 1953, when he first indecently assaulted a young girl. The court heard that Cairns would manipulate situations at his residence to ensure he could be alone with his victims, often engineering circumstances to facilitate his crimes.

In the lead-up to his 2001 sentencing, Cairns was scheduled to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on multiple charges, including rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to several charges, including indecent assault and unlawful sex with a minor. His sentence included a 12-year prison term, along with a five-year period of supervised release. Additionally, Cairns was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his movements post-release.

Authorities and the public are urged to come forward with any relevant information regarding Cairns’s past or his family. Anyone with pertinent details is encouraged to contact Durham Police’s coroner’s officer, Pc Natalie Griffiths, at (0191) 375 2818. The case underscores the long-standing issues surrounding sexual offenses and the importance of vigilant monitoring of offenders even after their incarceration.