ARTHUR BARLOW'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN HARROGATE: PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CRIMES
| Red Rose Database
Harrogate Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Harrogate, Arthur Barlow, aged 64, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation involving three young victims during the 1980s. The offences, which spanned several years, came to light after Barlow's name appeared in the press in connection with allegations of downloading pornographic images from the Internet.
Barlow, residing at Wedderburn Close in Harrogate, faced a total of 36 charges related to the sexual abuse of two boys and a girl, all aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences. These acts took place between 1983 and 1988, and he admitted to these charges in court. Additionally, in March, he pleaded guilty to 17 counts of creating indecent images of children following a police raid on his residence in June of the previous year. Evidence showed that Barlow had used his credit card to purchase pornographic material online, further implicating him in the exploitation.
Prosecutor Jonathan Carroll, presenting the case at York Crown Court, described Barlow as a predatory paedophile who targeted young visitors to his video shop located on Woodfield Road, Bilton, Harrogate. It was revealed that Barlow would often offer sweets, cigarettes, and gifts to gain the trust of these children. Once trust was established, he would begin a pattern of sexual abuse, which, according to court records, occurred on an almost daily or weekly basis over several years.
The victims were encouraged to visit Barlow at his flat situated above the video shop. The abuse started with indecent assault and escalated to acts of masturbation and oral sex, with some instances involving significant genital contact. However, the acts stopped short of penetration. The victims eventually reported the abuse to the police after reading about Barlow's alleged possession of indecent images of children, which he had obtained from the Internet.
During the trial, Barlow denied all allegations, claiming that the three complainants might have conspired against him and suggesting they were seeking compensation. However, evidence presented in court indicated that all three victims were suffering emotional and psychological consequences. One victim was unable to cuddle his own children or sit them on his knee, while another experienced panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the lasting impact of Barlow's actions.
Defence lawyer Andrew Lees, who noted that Barlow had never married and was taken into care at the age of five, argued that his client had endured a difficult and lonely life, lacking familial support. He also mentioned that Barlow, who had worked as a taxi driver, had already encountered difficulties with other inmates while on remand, suggesting that serving his sentence would be particularly challenging.
Judge Hoffman addressed Barlow directly, condemning his extensive and abusive manipulation of three vulnerable children—an 11 to 14-year-old girl, and boys aged 12 to 14 and 13 to 15. The judge emphasized that although these crimes occurred many years ago, the victims continued to suffer trauma. He stated, “It may be said this was all a long time ago. But the complainants are still traumatised. All three are actively suffering. I don’t think it is any exaggeration to say that you have made their lives a misery. I hope that what happens to you may be some small comfort to them.”
As Barlow was led away to the cells, two of the victims expressed their anger and pain publicly. One shouted, “Die in prison,” while another added, “Too right,” reflecting the deep emotional scars left by his actions. Barlow was also ordered to be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register within three days of his release and was banned from having any contact with children, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.
Barlow, residing at Wedderburn Close in Harrogate, faced a total of 36 charges related to the sexual abuse of two boys and a girl, all aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences. These acts took place between 1983 and 1988, and he admitted to these charges in court. Additionally, in March, he pleaded guilty to 17 counts of creating indecent images of children following a police raid on his residence in June of the previous year. Evidence showed that Barlow had used his credit card to purchase pornographic material online, further implicating him in the exploitation.
Prosecutor Jonathan Carroll, presenting the case at York Crown Court, described Barlow as a predatory paedophile who targeted young visitors to his video shop located on Woodfield Road, Bilton, Harrogate. It was revealed that Barlow would often offer sweets, cigarettes, and gifts to gain the trust of these children. Once trust was established, he would begin a pattern of sexual abuse, which, according to court records, occurred on an almost daily or weekly basis over several years.
The victims were encouraged to visit Barlow at his flat situated above the video shop. The abuse started with indecent assault and escalated to acts of masturbation and oral sex, with some instances involving significant genital contact. However, the acts stopped short of penetration. The victims eventually reported the abuse to the police after reading about Barlow's alleged possession of indecent images of children, which he had obtained from the Internet.
During the trial, Barlow denied all allegations, claiming that the three complainants might have conspired against him and suggesting they were seeking compensation. However, evidence presented in court indicated that all three victims were suffering emotional and psychological consequences. One victim was unable to cuddle his own children or sit them on his knee, while another experienced panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the lasting impact of Barlow's actions.
Defence lawyer Andrew Lees, who noted that Barlow had never married and was taken into care at the age of five, argued that his client had endured a difficult and lonely life, lacking familial support. He also mentioned that Barlow, who had worked as a taxi driver, had already encountered difficulties with other inmates while on remand, suggesting that serving his sentence would be particularly challenging.
Judge Hoffman addressed Barlow directly, condemning his extensive and abusive manipulation of three vulnerable children—an 11 to 14-year-old girl, and boys aged 12 to 14 and 13 to 15. The judge emphasized that although these crimes occurred many years ago, the victims continued to suffer trauma. He stated, “It may be said this was all a long time ago. But the complainants are still traumatised. All three are actively suffering. I don’t think it is any exaggeration to say that you have made their lives a misery. I hope that what happens to you may be some small comfort to them.”
As Barlow was led away to the cells, two of the victims expressed their anger and pain publicly. One shouted, “Die in prison,” while another added, “Too right,” reflecting the deep emotional scars left by his actions. Barlow was also ordered to be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register within three days of his release and was banned from having any contact with children, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.