NSPCC condemns Trevor Fernandes after online sexual abuse

The NSPCC said that the case of Trevor Fernandes, who used social media to force an American teen to sexually abuse herself and her baby sister, was “very distressing”.

Meanwhile, the National Crime Agency, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the victim for showing “immense courage” by coming forward.

As previously reported, Fernandes ordered the girl to perform sexual acts on herself, her baby sister and her dog, threatening to send illicit images of her to her contacts if she did not comply with his every instruction.

Trevor Fernandes was jailed for 14 years. Photo: NCA

Forcing her to call him ‘master Trevor’, he then demanded evidence she was complying by demanding a photo or video on his command ‘check’.

He was jailed for 14 years at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (August 11), and will be monitored closely for the next 19 years.

Sentencing, Judge Jason Taylor QC said: “You took advantage of a vulnerable girl who had little or no self-esteem.

“Someone who you spotted was so desperate for attention and validation that she could be manipulated into performing your deprave sexual whims.”

Read more about this case:

• JAILED: Pervert who blackmailed sex slave teen sent down for 14 years
• Judge condemns ‘clever and deceptive’ paedophile who sexually abused teen online
• Swindon man who forced teen to perform sex act on dog found guilty by jury
• Alleged Swindon child sex abuser's phone hack claims rubbished by expert
• Alleged child sex abuser denies knowing he had Knox installed
• Swindon child sex abuse accused claims he let 'all and sundry' use his phone

Reacting to the sentence, a spokesperson for the NSPCC in the South West said: “This a very distressing case.

“Fernandes subjected this teenage girl to a terrifying ordeal – threatening and sexually abusing her.

“Fortunately, she was able to escape his control and seek help, leading to his arrest and conviction.

“Moving from one social media platform to another to evade detection while contacting, manipulating and abusing children is sadly an all too familiar pattern of behaviour of child sexual offenders.

Trevor Fernandes at Swindon Crown Court during his trial. Photo: Dave Cox.

“The Online Safety Bill must be a national priority for the next Prime Minister, as it is a critical opportunity to deliver systemic protections that will make it much harder for offenders like Fernandes to commit abuse, which is devastating to young lives.”

Meanwhile, Graham Ellis from the NCA, who led the investigation, said: “Fernandes used threats to coerce a child to commit horrendous sexual acts.

“The child this investigation centres around has shown incredible bravery in coming forward and telling US law enforcement what happened to her, and I would like to thank her for showing immense courage.

“Protecting children is one of our highest priorities; we will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure those involved in child sexual abuse will be identified, located and held to account.”