A paedophile who molested a little girl was extradited from New Zealand to face justice but refused to say a single word.

Cecil John Thorn, 48, has exercised a "vigil of silence" ever since he stepped off a plane in February last year. This included remaining silent during his trial, even as the brave victim described the repeated abuse she suffered at his hands.

Thorn, from Wirral, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and three counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity at a trial last month. Liverpool Crown Court heard this is the second time he has been convicted of molesting a child, after previously being jailed for eight years in 2013 for similar offences, also in Wirral.

Despite serving only three years of that sentence, and despite police being aware of the second victim's allegations, Thorn was deported back to New Zealand under an early release scheme. This forced authorities to undertake a lengthy extradition process to bring him back to the UK and face justice again.

Thorn, who has been held in custody since his extradition on February 24, 2020, appeared in court via video link from prison. When asked to identify himself, he remained silent, as he has throughout the proceedings.

Thorn, with a bald head, long black beard, and wearing a face mask, sat in silence with his eyes closed. He declined to speak when given the opportunity to address the court or offer mitigation. He even refused to cooperate with the Probation Service for the purpose of a pre-sentence report.

Judge Brian Cummings, QC, stated that Thorn's silence was "not the result of any medical or mental health incapacity, but rather was voluntary." This was confirmed when Thorn spoke to staff in the cells shortly before the trial to inquire about its progress.

The court heard that Thorn was previously jailed for eight years in July 2013 after admitting to four sexual assaults against a teenage girl. He confessed fully after the victim's parents discovered the abuse. He was deported to New Zealand and released in Wellington in December 2016.

However, his second victim had already come forward to the police in February 2016, revealing that Thorn had performed sexual acts on her and forced her to perform sexual acts on him on multiple occasions. Despite being interviewed by police while in prison, Thorn remained silent. He was subsequently flown to New Zealand, but was eventually arrested there in February 2020 and again remained silent.

Judge Cummings noted that Thorn's "parting words" to a detective were "to the effect that you were now embarking on a vigil of silence."

The second victim described the devastating impact of Thorn's abuse on her life, stating that it was difficult to put into words. She lost her self-confidence, struggled with self-worth issues, and developed a hatred of her own body. The victim also engaged in self-harm and found it difficult to stop thinking about her ordeal, particularly when she had to relive it during the trial.

Her mother, who was present in court, described how her daughter had become withdrawn and attempted to take an overdose. She expressed concern about leaving her daughter alone as a result of the abuse. While the trial had been a constant source of worry, she expressed hope that they could now move on.

Judge Cummings stated that Thorn could have disclosed his abuse of the second girl while in prison for the abuse of the first girl. He told Thorn that any "additional strain" that resulted from his actions was "entirely of your own making."

He condemned Thorn's actions, stating that he had "blighted the lives of two young girls." Judge Cummings declared Thorn an "offender of particular concern" and sentenced him to 10 years in prison, with an extended one-year licence. This means Thorn will spend at least five years in prison before he can apply for parole.

Thorn showed no emotion and remained silent as he was sentenced. He must also sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life.