ALBERT BARROW OF TOTTEN SENTENCED IN HAMPSHIRE FOR HISTORIC SEX ABUSE CASE

In a landmark case that has captured national attention, 90-year-old Albert Barrow, a former lance corporal and D-Day veteran from Totton, Hampshire, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for a series of historic sexual offenses. The court heard that Barrow had engaged in prolonged sexual abuse of two young victims over many years, actions that have left deep scars on those involved.

Details of the case emerged after police responded to an incident earlier this year involving Barrow and one of his victims. During the investigation, it was revealed that the abuse was not a recent occurrence but had taken place over an extended period, with the victims suffering in silence for years. The court was informed that Barrow had admitted to a total of 14 charges of indecent assault, a significant increase from the initial six charges he had acknowledged.

Throughout the proceedings, the court was shown a photograph of Barrow’s collection of World War II medals, which he proudly displayed, highlighting his service record. His defense team, led by barrister John Lofthouse, pleaded with the judge to consider a lenient sentence, emphasizing Barrow’s age, his military service, and his apparent remorse. Lofthouse argued that Barrow had expressed regret and had tried to confess his guilt voluntarily, stating, “I’m guilty,” during a police interview. He also pointed out that Barrow had a history of military service, holding up images of his medals as a testament to his wartime contributions.

However, the prosecution painted a starkly different picture. Carolyn Branford-Wood, the prosecutor, described how the victims had been subjected to repeated abuse, with one victim explicitly stating, “I was scared. I did not like it, I did not want it and I wanted it to stop.” The victim further explained that the abuse had devastated her life, affecting her relationships and causing long-term emotional trauma. The court heard that the victims’ identities could not be disclosed for legal reasons, but their statements underscored the profound impact of Barrow’s actions.

Judge Nicholas Rowland, presiding over the case at Southampton Crown Court, acknowledged the severity of the offenses and the lasting harm inflicted on the victims. He noted concerning remarks made by Barrow during pre-sentence reports, where the defendant appeared to trivialize his actions, claiming that indecent assault “goes on all the time” and not considering it a serious matter. The judge emphasized that had Barrow been caught and admitted his crimes at the time, he could have faced a sentence of at least 14 years.

Despite Barrow’s age and his frail appearance—he entered the courtroom with the aid of a walking frame—the judge was unyielding. He sentenced Barrow to four years in prison, citing the immense suffering caused to the victims and the long-term consequences detailed in their impact statements. As the sentence was read, Barrow appeared visibly stunned, and when asked how long he would be incarcerated, he responded, “But I won’t be alive all that long.”

In a historical context, Barrow’s case is notable not only for the severity of his crimes but also for his age. The court was informed that only five individuals aged 90 or over are currently in prison in the UK, making Barrow’s case particularly exceptional. The case drew comparisons to a 2010 incident involving Thomas Burton, an 88-year-old from Middleton, Rochdale, who was jailed for molesting two sisters over 40 years ago. Burton received a 16-month sentence, but Barrow’s case has set a new precedent as the oldest person to be imprisoned for historic sexual offenses in Britain.