BARRINGTON CLEMENTS JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST GIRL IN MIDSOMER NORTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Midsomer Norton, a 67-year-old man named Barrington Alan Clements has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against a young girl. The crimes took place over a span of several years, beginning in 2008 and continuing until last year, and have left a lasting impact on the victim and the wider community alike.

Clements, who resides on Phillis Hill in Midsomer Norton, appeared before Bristol Crown Court to face the charges. He pleaded guilty to a total of 18 counts of sexual touching involving the girl, whose identity remains protected by law. During the proceedings, Clements admitted to the offences but claimed that he could not recall some of the incidents, raising questions about his memory of the events.

The court heard that Clements had worked throughout his life and was generally considered a decent member of society in other respects. However, his actions revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that betrayed the trust placed in him by the victim and her family. His defence lawyer, Rosaleen Collins, made an emotional plea to the judge, urging consideration of Clements’ age when determining the sentence. Mrs Collins acknowledged the profound damage caused by his actions, stating, “Nothing I can say can repair the damage caused or the trauma and devastation inflicted.” She further explained that Clements’ distorted thinking was characteristic of someone with a sexual interest in children, and although he recognized his weaknesses, he accepted his guilt and the serious consequences of his actions.

Mrs Collins also highlighted that since admitting to the offences, Clements had become an outcast within his own family, which had distanced itself from him. She emphasized that he had always accepted his guilt and expressed remorse for the series of events that would have long-lasting repercussions.

In delivering his sentence, Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC condemned Clements’ actions as a gross breach of trust. He stated, “You sexually abused your young victim on a regular basis. To say this is a breach of trust is a gross understatement. You used this young girl for your own sexual satisfaction which was the most extreme betrayal possible.” The judge acknowledged the emotional turmoil caused by the offences, describing the case as one that had caused “untold drama.”

Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Mercer took into account Clements’ guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, which resulted in a reduced sentence. He explained, “If you had been convicted after a trial, you would have been sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, because you pleaded guilty promptly, you will receive full credit for this, sparing the victim from reliving the trauma during a trial.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Mike Williams from the Avon and Somerset police public protection unit issued a statement. He urged anyone who had experienced sexual assault to come forward and speak with specially trained officers. DI Williams expressed his support for the victim, saying, “My thoughts are with the victim of this investigation who bravely gave evidence of sexual offences committed against her. I am pleased with the verdict and sentence passed, which I hope provides the victim with some closure and allows her to move on with her life, knowing that the offender will serve a custodial sentence for the crimes he committed.”