WALTON MAN BARRIE GABLE GROOMS 14-YEAR-OLDS ON INTERNET CHAT ROOMS AND ESCAPES JAIL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Walton community, a local man identified as Barrie Gable, also known by the name Barrie Williams, was found guilty of serious offenses involving the grooming of underage girls via online chat platforms. Despite the gravity of his actions, Gable was ultimately spared immediate imprisonment, a decision that has sparked debate and concern among residents and authorities alike.

Gable, aged 26, had engaged in a calculated scheme to exploit two girls, both aged 14, for his own sexual gratification. The court proceedings revealed that Gable’s actions involved extensive planning and manipulative behavior aimed at gaining the trust of these young victims. Prosecutor Barry Gilbert QC emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This was a significant amount of planning and grooming behaviour.” He also noted that the prosecution believed the evidence supported the charges, which included two counts of inciting a child into sexual activity and one count of possession of indecent images.

During the trial, the defense, represented by Mr. Hughes, highlighted Gable’s mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and fragile self-esteem. The defense argued that these issues had contributed to his behavior and that the delays in the trial, caused by the need for various psychological reports, had taken a toll on Gable. It was also revealed that during this period of waiting, Gable had attempted to take his own life, a tragic detail underscoring the mental health challenges he faced. However, the defense also noted that Gable had begun to seek help, was now on anti-depressants, and had found employment, indicating some steps toward rehabilitation.

On December 6, Judge Christopher Morgan delivered his verdict, opting to impose a 21-month suspended sentence, meaning Gable would not serve time in prison unless he committed further offenses. Additionally, Gable was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,000. The judge expressed his disapproval of Gable’s actions, stating, “You engaged them through chat rooms in which conversations turned to a sexual nature very quickly. You invited them to show you their genitals that you put forward. You gained their confidence and you recognize that these are serious offences.” Judge Morgan emphasized that such conduct crosses the custody threshold and warned others that engaging in similar behavior with underage girls would likely result in custodial sentences.

Furthermore, Gable was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated to attend rehabilitation courses aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses. The case has left many in Walton questioning the adequacy of the sentence, but the court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such grooming and exploitation cases are treated by the justice system.