TREVOR BAILIE FROM DOWNPATRICK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL MESSAGE EXCHANGE IN BANGOR
| Red Rose Database
Downpatrick Online Groomer
Trevor Bailie, a 50-year-old resident of Southwell Road in Bangor, was involved in a disturbing case that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about online safety and child protection. The incident came to light when Bailie was found to have engaged in a series of inappropriate and illegal communications with individuals he believed to be minors and a paedophile, through online messaging platforms.
According to court records, the exchanges took place between July and September 2023. Bailie was under the impression that he was communicating with two young boys and an adult with access to children’s grandchildren. In reality, these contacts were undercover police decoys designed to catch individuals involved in child exploitation and abuse. During these interactions, Bailie did not hold back in sending explicit images of himself, including a video where he performed a sexual act. These actions demonstrated a clear intent to engage in sexual activities with minors, or at least to discuss such heinous acts.
Further, in messages with the third decoy, Bailie openly discussed the topic of 'sexual abuse of children.' He even went as far as talking about gaining access to his own grandchildren to carry out abuse, revealing a disturbing level of intent and depravity. The court was told that Bailie’s communications were not only explicit but also indicative of a serious threat to the safety and well-being of children.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC addressed the court and emphasized the gravity of Bailie’s actions. He pointed out that if Bailie had been communicating with actual children or a known paedophile, the outcome would have been immediate custody. Instead, Bailie was sentenced to an enhanced three-year probation order, which includes strict conditions and supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and was placed under a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting his activities and monitoring his behavior.
Throughout the proceedings, Bailie was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as the judge detailed the profound damage his conduct had inflicted on his personal life. The court heard that Bailie’s actions had led to estrangement from his family and the loss of his employment at Belfast City Airport, where he worked as a baggage handler and ramp agent. The judge underscored that his fall from grace was severe and that his conduct was that of a sexual predator, warranting condemnation from the court.
While the judge acknowledged that a harsher sentence might have been justified given the nature of the offences, Bailie’s remorse and his cooperation with authorities played a role in the decision to avoid immediate imprisonment. However, Bailie was warned that any breach of his probation or the conditions of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order could result in a return to custody. The court’s verdict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
According to court records, the exchanges took place between July and September 2023. Bailie was under the impression that he was communicating with two young boys and an adult with access to children’s grandchildren. In reality, these contacts were undercover police decoys designed to catch individuals involved in child exploitation and abuse. During these interactions, Bailie did not hold back in sending explicit images of himself, including a video where he performed a sexual act. These actions demonstrated a clear intent to engage in sexual activities with minors, or at least to discuss such heinous acts.
Further, in messages with the third decoy, Bailie openly discussed the topic of 'sexual abuse of children.' He even went as far as talking about gaining access to his own grandchildren to carry out abuse, revealing a disturbing level of intent and depravity. The court was told that Bailie’s communications were not only explicit but also indicative of a serious threat to the safety and well-being of children.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC addressed the court and emphasized the gravity of Bailie’s actions. He pointed out that if Bailie had been communicating with actual children or a known paedophile, the outcome would have been immediate custody. Instead, Bailie was sentenced to an enhanced three-year probation order, which includes strict conditions and supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and was placed under a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, restricting his activities and monitoring his behavior.
Throughout the proceedings, Bailie was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as the judge detailed the profound damage his conduct had inflicted on his personal life. The court heard that Bailie’s actions had led to estrangement from his family and the loss of his employment at Belfast City Airport, where he worked as a baggage handler and ramp agent. The judge underscored that his fall from grace was severe and that his conduct was that of a sexual predator, warranting condemnation from the court.
While the judge acknowledged that a harsher sentence might have been justified given the nature of the offences, Bailie’s remorse and his cooperation with authorities played a role in the decision to avoid immediate imprisonment. However, Bailie was warned that any breach of his probation or the conditions of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order could result in a return to custody. The court’s verdict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.