KRISTOF FAIRLEY SENTENCED IN SOUTHSEA FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND PAST CRIMES

In November 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Kristof Fairley, a man with a troubling criminal history, who was ultimately convicted and sentenced for serious child sex offences in Southsea. The investigation revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children in the area.

Fairley's criminal record is already marred by a tragic and violent incident in which he caused the death of his wife, Ashley, aged 20, in a car crash on Eastern Road. The incident occurred while Fairley was allegedly showing off, and he was subsequently sentenced to 40 months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. This previous conviction added a layer of complexity to his current case, as authorities scrutinized his activities and associations in the community.

The latest charges against Fairley stem from a detailed police investigation into the exploitation of minors, specifically focusing on a teenage girl who became the target of his grooming efforts. During the course of the inquiry, which was part of a broader operation known as Operation Matrix, officers identified Fairley's presence in Commercial Road, a known hotspot frequented by vulnerable children. The police, acting on intelligence, observed Fairley in the company of several young girls, raising concerns about his intentions.

Superintendent Jason Kenny, who led the investigation, explained that the operation was aimed at safeguarding children who gathered in the Commercial Road area. He stated, “The investigation, known as Operation Matrix, centred on girls who gathered at a regular hotspot in Commercial Road, and it was established that Fairley, a known sex offender, had been seen in the company of these girls.”

Further evidence revealed that Fairley had engaged in a prolonged and inappropriate communication with a teenage girl, sending her over 1,300 messages. He believed her to be “mature for her age,” a misconception that contributed to his criminal behavior. The court heard that Fairley had groomed her over an extended period, culminating in a sexual relationship. He also asked her to send explicit images of herself, which was a clear violation of the law.

During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, the judge, Douglas Field, described Fairley as “dangerous” and expressed concern over his deep-seated sexual interests in children. Fairley, who was present in court, was visibly emotional as the prosecution outlined his breaches of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that had been previously imposed following his 2010 abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

Prosecutor Timothy Moores detailed the extent of Fairley's violations, including regular contact with the girl via phone and in-person meetings. Fairley admitted to two charges of breaching the SOPO, which involved causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as a charge of sexual activity with a child. The court sentenced him to six years in prison, with an additional five-year extended license period, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.

Judge Douglas Field emphasized the high risk Fairley posed to children, stating, “I find you do have a deep-seated sexual interest in children.” As part of his sentence, Fairley is required to register as a sex offender and remains subject to the SOPO indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.