PAUL BAIRSTOW CAUGHT ENJOYING BREAKFAST AT TESCO IN KINGSTEIGNTON AFTER FAKING SUICIDE TO AVOID TRIAL

In a startling turn of events, Paul Bairstow, a man from Kingsteignton with a dark criminal history, was recently spotted indulging in a breakfast at a Tesco store, just days after he had attempted to fake his own death to evade justice. The incident took place in September 2020, amidst a highly charged legal case involving serious allegations of child abuse.

Bairstow, who was scheduled to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court, had left behind a series of handwritten notes the day before his court appearance. These notes, addressed to various individuals including his legal representatives, suggested an intent to end his life. This act prompted a large-scale police operation, with officers conducting an extensive search for him across the area. Despite the efforts, witnesses later reported seeing Bairstow in what they described as a 'good spirits' state, casually enjoying a meal at a Tesco supermarket in Kingsteignton.

Three weeks following his disappearance, Bairstow was finally apprehended by authorities. He was taken into custody and held while awaiting sentencing for charges related to the sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed a man who had attempted to manipulate the justice system through deception and falsehoods. Bairstow, aged 56, was ultimately convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

During the trial, the presiding judge, Judge David Evans, condemned Bairstow’s actions, describing him as a 'coward' who sought to avoid facing the truth. The court heard that Bairstow had been deliberately manipulative, attempting to evade justice by faking his own death. His legal representative argued that Bairstow was 'paralysed with fear' about the upcoming trial, citing his reluctance to subject child witnesses to the proceedings and his denial of any wrongdoing. However, the judge dismissed these claims, emphasizing that there was no evidence to suggest Bairstow’s intent to commit suicide.

Furthermore, the court uncovered that Bairstow had lied to the mother of his young victim, falsely claiming to be 12 years younger than his actual age and falsely asserting that he was a former Royal Marine. Prosecutor Felicity Payne highlighted that Bairstow had told numerous lies throughout the case, attempting to manipulate the narrative in his favor.

Bairstow was convicted in his absence on multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13, one count of engaging a child in sexual activity, and for absconding from custody. His sentence totals six years and six weeks, and he is now required to be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life, marking a significant chapter in his criminal history and a stark reminder of the serious nature of his offenses.