Cairns arrested on new sex charges

Further sex-related charges have been laid against Jeff Cairns, a prominent St. Catharines businessman and philanthropist.

Cairns, 60, turned himself in to the police at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning and was released several hours later under conditions set during a bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse.

Details about the victims and the allegations are covered by a publication ban, put in place at the bail hearing.

“I have no comment,” Cairns said after the hearing. “I am leaving everything in the capable hands of the court.”

Cairns was charged Tuesday with three counts of sexual assault, sexual interference and two counts of sexual exploitation.

The new charges involve two victims, Det. Const. Mike Ryan of the Niagara Regional Police said before the hearing.

Those charges are in addition to eight counts of sexual assault, eight counts of sexual interference and eight counts of invitation to sexual touching that the police laid on Aug. 16. Cairns was granted bail on those charges the next day.

There was one victim in relation to the initial charges, Ryan said, bringing the total number of victims to three.

Asked if there may be more victims, Ryan said, “There is always that possibility, and we are continuing our investigation.

“We believe there may be more, and we are encouraging anyone to come forward if they have information.”

Cairns was released on the same conditions as his first bail hearing, which include $10,000 bail and the requirement that he reside at the family cottage or the home of a business associate and friend.

He is prohibited from visiting public pools, parks, playgrounds, schoolyards or community centres or being in the company of children under the age of 16.

The two new victims have been added to the list of individuals Cairns is not allowed to contact. There are also two new witnesses that have been added to the list.

Cairns is president of Charlesway Corp. Ltd., a private investment firm based in St. Catharines, and was a member of the Brock University’s Board of Trustees.

The Cairns family is prominent in the city and is known for their philanthropic endeavours. They have made significant contributions to Niagara organizations over the years and Cairns’ father, Roy, who died in 2011, donated $6-million to Brock in 2010.

Jeffrey Cairns made a $500,000 donation to the city’s recently opened $60-million performing arts centre. The Cairns Recital Hall is a 300-seat venue and rehearsal space in the venue.

He was also the former commanding officer of the Lincoln & Welland Regiment.

I have no comment. I am leaving everything in the capable hands of the court.”