DEREK CAIRNS FROM PRESTONPANS BANNED AFTER 12-YEAR ABUSE SPREE IN SCOTLAND

A man from Prestonpans named Derek Cairns, aged 63, has been subjected to a court order prohibiting any form of contact with a woman and her two children following a lengthy pattern of abusive behavior spanning over twelve years.

The disturbing series of incidents involved a combination of threats, offensive language, and physical assaults, all directed at the victims residing at the same address in Prestonpans. Cairns, who lives at Preston Cross Cottages, was found to have engaged in this harmful conduct from January 1, 2011, through to August 30, 2023.

Throughout this period, Cairns exhibited repeated aggressive behavior, making threatening remarks and offensive comments that created a climate of fear for the victims. The situation escalated on January 1, 2023, when he physically assaulted one of the children by grabbing her and pushing her, an act that further demonstrated the severity of his misconduct.

In March, Cairns appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and abusive conduct under the provisions of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016. The court's decision reflected the seriousness of his actions and the need to protect the victims from further harm.

Following the guilty plea, Sheriff Derek O’Carroll sentenced Cairns last Wednesday to a combination of community-based penalties. These included 24 months of supervision managed by the social work department, 180 hours of unpaid community service, and mandatory participation in the Caledonian Men’s Programme for a period of two years.

Furthermore, the court issued a non-harassment order that bans Cairns from making any contact with the woman and one of the children for a duration of five years. This order emphasizes the court’s firm stance against any future offending and aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims.

Authorities and the judicial system in Prestonpans have taken decisive action to address this long-standing pattern of abuse, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from persistent harm and ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.