Ben Cairns

Ben Cairns, a 44-year-old resident of St Mary’s Way, Old Leake, Boston, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following his conviction for a series of non-recent sexual offences against four girls under the age of 16. The case, prosecuted at Lincoln Crown Court, highlights the predatory behaviour of Cairns, who exploited the trust of his victims and their families over a six-year period.

The offences, which occurred between 2014 and 2020, involved seven specific charges: six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration. Cairns was found guilty by a jury on Friday, 11 July 2025, after a thorough investigation led by Lincolnshire Police. The court proceedings underscored the vulnerability of the young victims and the courage they displayed in reporting the abuses and supporting the police inquiry.

Sergeant Cherry Miller of Lincolnshire Police commended the survivors in a statement following the sentencing: “This sentencing marks the end of a long journey for the survivors, who have shown immense courage in coming forward and throughout the process, which has taken a very long time to get to this sentencing. The children have shown incredible strength and determination to report him to the police and support the investigation.” She further described Cairns as a sexual predator who gained the trust of the victims and their families, abusing that trust to commit heinous crimes against vulnerable children.

In addition to the 14-year custodial sentence, Cairns was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life. These measures aim to protect the public from further harm. The case was reported by Lincolnshire Police on their official website, emphasising the importance of reporting such crimes to ensure justice is served.