TREVOR PAYNE, COLLIER ROW CHILD RAPIST, STILL WORKING WITH YOUTHS DESPITE CONVICTION

In August 2014, a disturbing case involving Trevor Payne, a man from Collier Row, came to public attention following his conviction for heinous sexual offenses committed decades earlier. Payne, aged 67 and residing on Fry Close in Collier Row, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

The court heard that Payne had begun abusing a young girl when she was only eight years old, starting in the 1960s. His predatory behavior continued until she reached the age of 14, with the assaults ceasing only after the death of his mother, who succumbed to a series of heart attacks. The abuse was particularly traumatic, leaving the victim emotionally scarred and unable to enjoy a normal sexual life, as noted by Judge David Radford during sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Judge Radford described the impact of Payne’s actions, stating that the victim was left “frightened and withdrawn” as a result of the abuse. He detailed that the offenses persisted until shortly before her 12th birthday, when it became evident she was menstruating. The judge explained that Payne had digitally penetrated her during her period, aware that such acts could result in pregnancy, given his limited understanding of sex education. The court also heard that Payne had physically examined her when she claimed to be menstruating, and he saw blood on his hands, an act that further compounded the trauma inflicted upon her.

Prosecutor Nicholas Wells highlighted that Payne would threaten violence and manipulate his victim to prevent her from reporting the abuse. Despite coming from a seemingly respectable household, Payne’s background was marred by his lack of proper sexual education, which he reportedly learned from a book that his mother, a hardworking woman employed by Dagenham Ford, found disgusting. Payne’s sexual awareness only developed after reading this book, which disturbed his mother.

During the court proceedings, Payne, dressed in a black suit, showed signs of remorse or resignation as the judge read out the sentences for his crimes. His wife, who spoke limited English, was present and provided limited support, along with eight other supporters. Payne was also ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to monitor his activities post-release.

In a separate but related development, concerns were raised about Payne’s continued ability to work with children despite his conviction. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) criticized the justice system for failing to adequately protect children, pointing out that bail conditions should have been employed to prevent him from working with minors. Havering’s Detective Chief Inspector Phil Rickells revealed that police only became aware of Payne’s conviction after being contacted by the court, indicating a breakdown in communication between the court and law enforcement agencies.

Further investigations uncovered that Payne was still actively involved in photography, with evidence suggesting he was working with youths. Pictures on his website and Facebook page showed him in contact with young people, raising serious concerns about potential risks. A reporter posing as a parent approached Payne to inquire about photographing a 15-year-old girl’s birthday party. Payne readily agreed, mentioning he was booked for a wedding and had a CRB check to work with children and vulnerable adults. When confronted about his identity, Payne initially denied being the convicted offender but eventually confirmed it was him. He admitted that his CRB check would not be renewed under current circumstances.

Legal restrictions included bail conditions requiring Payne to surrender his passport and reside at his home address. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo) was also considered, which could prohibit him from working with children, with a sentencing date set for August 8. Despite his past, Payne has not committed any new crimes since his conviction, but concerns remain about his ongoing contact with minors.

The NSPCC’s sexual abuse chief, Jon Brown, emphasized that bail conditions should be used to mitigate any ongoing risk he might pose. He expressed concern that parents would be justifiably angry and worried if they knew Payne was still working with children while awaiting sentencing. A CPS spokesperson clarified that bail conditions had not been breached and that post-conviction bail considerations are within the court’s jurisdiction.

Adding to the community’s distress, a mother of a 16-year-old girl expressed her horror upon discovering that Payne had taken photographs of her daughter and her friends just days before his trial, during their prom on July 4. She voiced her shock and concern over the fact that Payne had been in her home with her children, highlighting the ongoing fears and the need for stricter safeguards to protect vulnerable young people from individuals like Payne.