A SADISTIC paedophile who repeatedly abused a young girl was yesterday jailed for life by a judge, who told him: “The facts of this case fall into the category of the most serious.”

Stuart Cairnes attacked the girl at his home in Middlesbrough and at a caravan he kept in Hartlepool, Teesside Crown Court was told.

When he carried out the sickening acts in the caravan, 43-year-old Cairnes gagged the girl, bound her hands and feet in tape, locked her in a dark cupboard and tied her to a chair.

It emerged during his trial last month that he warned the youngster to keep the abuse a secret – and told her he planned to use her as his sexual plaything for years.

The girl finally confided in teachers after months of attacks, but Cairnes denied doing anything wrong and maintained his innocence even after being found guilty by a jury.

The court heard during the trial that Cairnes was convicted of a string of indecent assaults against two girls and a boy when he was in his late teens.

Judge Peter Fox set a minimum term of ten years, but warned Cairnes he would only be released when he is no longer considered a danger to children.

“You have previous convictions, albeit many years ago, which indicate sexual perversion towards children is deeply entrenched in your nature.

“You sexually abused this child of tender years in a terrible way,” said the judge. “There were so many aggravating features, this case fall into the category of the most serious.”

Detective Sergeant Steve Bell said after the case: “The victim was courageous to come forward and give evidence in what was an extremely difficult trial for her.

“Cairnes is a sadistic, predatory paedophile and I think the sentence really reflects what he has done, now and in the past. Children will be safeguarded as a result.”

Cairnes, of Harford Street, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of three charges of rape and two of assault by penetration. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.