ADAM BARNETT FROM ST NEOTS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR ST NEOTS

In November 2010, a man named Adam Barnett from St Neots was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a vulnerable 12-year-old girl. The case revealed disturbing details about how Barnett, 29, of Orchard Road, Eaton Ford, exploited a young girl he had met through social media to satisfy his own sexual urges.

According to court proceedings, the girl, who falsely claimed to be 14, had actively sought out Barnett after obtaining information about him from another girl. Her motivation appeared to be a desire for companionship and affection, as she was reportedly experiencing difficulties in her personal life, including being bullied over her size and facing problems at home. The girl managed to find Barnett’s Facebook profile, initiated contact, and exchanged messages with him via Facebook and text messages. Over time, these communications took on sexual overtones, raising serious concerns about the nature of their interactions.

Prosecutor Greg Perrins explained that Barnett picked up the girl in his car from St Neots and drove her to a remote country road near St Neots. There, he committed two sexual assaults on her, including forcing her to perform a sex act on him. The following day, Barnett returned to the same location and repeated the sexual act. The girl, distressed and fearing she might be pregnant, confided in her mother about the incidents, prompting the authorities to become involved.

During the court hearing at Peterborough Crown Court, Barnett admitted to two counts of serious sexual assault against a girl under 13 and one count of sexual assault. Judge Neil McKittrick addressed Barnett directly, stating, “This was a girl who was not a mature girl and was 12 and was experiencing difficulties in her life. You took advantage of her and what she was prepared to do to satisfy your very short-term needs.” The judge also expressed his distaste for Barnett’s actions, emphasizing that it was troubling for a man of 29 to be attracted to a girl of such a young age, even if no coercion or force was used.

Defence lawyer Andrew Copeland acknowledged Barnett’s previous good character and his immediate admission of guilt. He pointed out that the girl had initiated the relationship and that Barnett had ended it. However, he conceded that the seriousness of the offenses warranted a custodial sentence, which the court duly imposed. Barnett’s actions have left a lasting impact on the young victim, and his imprisonment reflects the severity with which the justice system treats such offenses.