ANDREW BARBER FROM IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND UNDERAGE SEX OFFENSES IN SUFFOLK

In March 2012, a disturbing case unfolded involving Andrew Barber, a man from Ipswich who previously served as a special constable with Suffolk police. Barber was convicted of heinous crimes including the rape of a teenage girl and engaging in sexual activities with a minor. His actions not only betrayed the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer but also highlighted troubling behavioral patterns that alarmed the court and the community alike.

Andrew Barber, aged 26 and residing on Netley Close in Ipswich, was found guilty of multiple serious charges. The court heard that Barber had committed a rape in a park in Ipswich during October 2003, targeting a teenage girl. Additionally, he was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with another underage girl between April and November 2010. The severity of his offenses was underscored by the court’s description of his conduct as exhibiting a “worrying, controlling aspect,” which was emphasized during the sentencing.

Recorder Guy Ayers, who presided over the case, expressed concern over Barber’s disturbing behavior, particularly his fixation on women’s underwear. The court described Barber’s repeated requests for items of underwear from his victims as a “claim of a trophy,” indicating a troubling pattern of objectification and control. Despite Barber’s denial of the charges, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

During the sentencing, Recorder Ayers pointed out that Barber’s behavior demonstrated a desire to be in control, stating, “There is a very worrying, controlling aspect about your behaviour. You are somebody, it seems to me, who wants to be in charge.” The court sentenced Barber to a total of eight years in prison—six years for the rape and an additional two years for the sexual offenses involving the minor.

The court also heard that Barber had engaged in inappropriate communication with his victims, including text messages focusing on their underwear. Recorder Ayers described these messages as a “claim of a trophy,” further illustrating Barber’s predatory tendencies. During the assault, Barber reportedly placed his hand over the victim’s mouth, attempting to silence her, and subsequently apologized, asking her not to report the incident to the police. The pre-sentence report revealed a lack of empathy or remorse from Barber, indicating a concerning emotional detachment from his victims.

At the time of the offenses, Barber was working as an amateur football referee and was also serving as a special constable for Suffolk police. His misconduct extended to a second girl, with whom he also made similar requests for underwear, raising questions about his moral standards and judgment. The court emphasized that Barber, in a position of considerable responsibility, had let down not only his victims but also his family and the police force he served.

In mitigation, it was noted that Barber was only 18 at the time of the rape, which the court considered in its sentencing. A Suffolk police spokesperson commented on the case, stating, “Andrew Barber, who resigned from his position whilst being investigated, betrayed the trust of his colleagues and the general public of Suffolk, who rightly demand the highest of moral standards from all members of the police service.”

Norwich Crown Court ordered Barber to be registered on the sex offenders register for life, disqualified him from working with children indefinitely, and imposed a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and moral conduct, especially among those entrusted with public safety and law enforcement responsibilities.