A elderly Cornwall Paedophile, Philip Trevena, solicited a teenage girl to engage in a sexual act involving a carrot, the court was informed. Convicted paedophile Philip Trevena was apprehended for contacting a someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, despite being forbidden from such contact.
During a sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on Friday, January 17, it was revealed that a 75-year-old from Constantine participated in sexualised conversations with a 14-year-old girl online over a span of six days in October 2021.
Philip Trevena sent over 20 messages enquiring whether the girl enjoyed sexual activity and solicited her to send nude photographs and engage in sexual actions, including masturbation and using a carrot in preparation for intercourse with him.
As the six-day exchange concluded, Philip Trevena requested a meeting with the girl. The individual on the other end was revealed to be an adult and a paedophile hunter who forwarded the chat and Philip Trevena’s address to Devon and Cornwall Police.
The retiree is permanently included on the sex offenders’ register following incarceration for engaging in sexual behaviour with a minor within the past twenty years.
Katie Churcher, his defence barrister, informed the court that Philip Trevena had pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, specifically penetration by an offender aged 18 or over. He had to endure a three-year wait for his case to be heard due to delays in the judicial system while his health was deteriorating.
Ms. Churcher stated that during that period, Philip Trevena has adhered to the stipulations of his order, which permit only restricted internet access and require collaboration with his sex offender officers. She stated: “He has acknowledged his error and seeks assistance for it.” He experienced isolation. His wellbeing is inadequate. He is an individual who may be supervised inside the society. He is in deteriorating condition and is scheduled to undergo tests for liver cirrhosis. These acts are undeniably reprehensible; yet, he has undergone evaluation within the community during the past three years.
His Honour Judge Simon Carr stated that Philip Trevena’s offences were exceedingly grave, involving sexual contact with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in reality, an adult masquerading as a minor, and that the contacts over a span of six days were of a sexual nature.
He recognised that it had taken three years for the matter to reach court, considering Philip Trevena’s deteriorating health and advanced age, but cautioned him that he would not hesitate to impose a prison sentence if he reoffended.
He stated that Philip Trevena had demonstrated contrition for his conduct, which was an attempt to acknowledge his behaviour, and he highlighted the efforts Philip Trevena is currently undertaking with sex offender police, agreeing that he could be handled within the community. Trevena received a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, along with 35 sessions of an authorised program, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. A ten-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed on him, including limits on internet use.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.