In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 56-year-old Paul Bairstow—of Kingsteignton—was jailed following a “depraved” series of sexual strikes against a seven-year-old girl. The investigation established that Bairstow attempted to manipulate the legal system by faking his own suicide on the eve of his trial at Exeter Crown Court. The prosecution reported that he left handwritten suicide notes for his lawyers and associates, triggering a large-scale police search for a man who had actually absconded to avoid the “moment of truth.”
The investigation established that while police searched for his body, Bairstow was spotted by witnesses in “good spirits” enjoying a breakfast at a Tesco store. The prosecution reported that he was arrested three weeks later, having been convicted in his absence by a jury. Bairstow’s history was built on a serial pattern of deception; he had lied to the victim’s mother about his age and falsely claimed to be a former Royal Marine to gain a “cloak of respectability” and access to the child.
JUDICIAL SENTENCING AND MANIPULATION
The court reported that Bairstow was a “coward” who was deliberately manipulative in an attempt to evade justice. The investigation established that his lawyer’s claim of him being “paralysed with fear” for the witnesses was rejected by the judge, who identified his actions as a purely selfish attempt to escape accountability. The prosecution reported that Judge David Evans found no evidence of a genuine suicide attempt, branding the stunt a calculated move by a serial liar who denied his horrendous crimes despite the evidence.
Judge-led proceedings at Exeter Crown Court concluded in 2020. For his actions in Kingsteignton and the nature of the serial child sexual abuse investigation reported, Paul Bairstow was sentenced to six years and six weeks in prison. The investigation established that the sentence included time for two charges of sexual assault on a girl under 13, one count of engaging a child in sexual activity, and a consecutive term for absconding. He was legally mandated to the Sex Offenders Register for life.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial records as of 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault on a girl under 13 x2; Engaging a child in sexual activity x1; Absconding x1).
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (In 2026, having served the custodial portion of his 6-year 6-week sentence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court; investigated by Devon & Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Abused a seven-year-old girl; Faked suicide to avoid trial; Caught eating breakfast in Tesco while “missing”; Lied about being a Royal Marine; Jailed in 2020.
- Origin: Kingsteignton, Devon.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Bairstow is managed as a high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Devon. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his serial use of elaborate lies and his attempt to evade the judicial process—he is a priority for behavioural oversight. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Bairstow is permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to hold a position of trust or interact with children in Kingsteignton or elsewhere is strictly blocked for the remainder of his life.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Bairstow’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification and self-preservation over the principles of human decency and the safety of a child. Any failure by Bairstow to adhere to his notification requirements or his licence conditions following his release will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing protection of the community from a man who has violated the core principles of safeguarding through child sexual abuse.
QUESTION – Given that the offender “Faked his Suicide” to trigger a massive police search and avoid trial, do you believe the law should legally mandate that the costs of such a police search should be added to the offender’s “Victim Surcharge” or recovered through the permanent seizure of their assets?
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