KENNETH TROTTER: DANGEROUS BLACKPOOL PAEDOPHILE DEPORTED FROM AUSTRALIA ON THE RUN

In January 2013, Kenneth Trotter, a 78-year-old man born in Britain and residing in Blackpool, was sentenced to three years in prison after a series of disturbing criminal behaviors linked to his past as a convicted paedophile. Trotter’s history is marked by a lengthy and heinous criminal record in Australia, where he served 18 years behind bars for numerous child sex offences, including indecent assault and gross indecency. His criminal activities in Australia were so severe that a judge described him as “an exceptionally dangerous man,” emphasizing the threat he posed to society.

Following his release from Australian custody, Trotter was deported back to the United Kingdom, specifically to Blackpool, Lancashire. Despite being ordered to inform police of any change of address, he flagrantly violated this condition, engaging in premeditated acts of defiance. At one point, authorities had no idea of his whereabouts, prompting a public appeal for assistance in locating him. His evasive behavior underscored his determination to avoid detection, and he was branded “sadistic and callous” by a judge who sentenced him for child sex attacks committed in New South Wales.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Trotter had a long history of sexual depravity, with a list of 36 offences in Australia, including abduction, rape, and indecent assault. The judge described him as “an exceptionally dangerous man with nothing to lose,” highlighting the severity of his criminal profile. A pre-sentence report from the probation service detailed his prolific offending against vulnerable children, his manipulative and predatory nature, and his persistent denial of any sexual interest in children. The report also noted his lack of remorse and absence of empathy for victims.

In Blackpool, Trotter’s criminal conduct continued. Court evidence showed that he visited a mother of four on four separate occasions, falsely claiming to be canvassing for work related to sewing machine repairs. This same ruse had been a feature of his offending in Australia, where he used similar tactics to lure children. Trotter had set up a home in Blackpool and even offered to buy a house where teenage girls could live with him, further demonstrating his predatory intentions.

He had also attempted to establish contact with young girls through a church group, pretending to be sent from a Jobcentre to recruit 14-year-olds as canvassers. Police investigations uncovered that he had registered an address with a charity, which was later found to be unaware of his existence. His attempts to groom children extended to door-to-door visits, where he falsely claimed to be offering sewing machine repairs, despite the fact that the household had no such machine. His repeated visits to homes with young girls raised serious concerns about his ongoing risk to children.

Authorities responded by imposing a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Trotter, which included strict conditions such as police vetting of any residence he intended to stay in and restrictions on contact with minors. Trotter argued that the order infringed on his Human Rights, but the court dismissed his objections. The order also prohibited him from inviting children into his home or employing them in any capacity. Despite these measures, Trotter’s history and behavior indicated he remained a significant threat.

Police in Lancashire launched a manhunt after Trotter went missing from his designated address in Blackpool. It was discovered that he had been giving false addresses and had breached notification requirements, prompting a nationwide search. Trotter was last seen in Blackpool on June 6, and police urged the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Quinn emphasized the danger Trotter posed, stating, “He is a serious threat to children – he is a danger.”

Throughout his criminal career, Trotter’s case echoes the stories of other British-born offenders deported from Australia, such as Leslie Cunliffe, Simon Wilson, Raymond Horne, and Robert Excell, all of whom committed serious crimes either before or after their deportation. Trotter’s case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing and monitoring convicted sex offenders who have been deported and are attempting to reoffend or evade detection in the UK.