BARRY DUFFIN FROM PAISLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN JOHNSTONE AND PAISLEY
In January 2017, Barry Duffin, a young man from Argyle Street in Paisley, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing three schoolgirls, one of whom was only 13 years old at the time of the assault.The case highlighted serious concerns about his predatory behavior and the impact it had on his victims.
Duffin's offending spree involved coercing and wearing down two other girls, aged 14 and 15, to the point where they consented to sexual activity.
The youngest victim, just 13 years and two months old, was assaulted at an address in Paisley during the summer of 2016.
The court heard that Duffin engaged in repeated sexual acts with her, with the abuse taking place at her home.
His first known victim was a girl two years younger than him, aged 14, with whom he had a sexual relationship over a two-month period from December 2014 to January 2015.
This took place at a property in Johnstone.
At the time, Duffin was approximately sixteen and a half years old, while the girl was 14.
After this relationship ended, Duffin began dating another schoolgirl aged 15.
Over an eight-month period from August 2015 to April 2016, he repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with her as well.
During the sentencing, Sheriff David Pender emphasized that the victims had not wanted to engage in sexual acts with Duffin.
The sheriff stated that Duffin had “wore them down” and that they felt compelled to comply with his demands, feeling pressured or obliged to do so.
The court was told that Duffin’s background was troubled; both of his parents were drug users, and his mother had died prematurely due to substance abuse.
Duffin, who has ADHD, experienced episodes of low mood and engaged in self-harm.
His behavior was described as impulsive and sometimes extreme, with reports indicating he was immature and in need of help.
Addressing Duffin directly, Sheriff Pender said, “The public, girls and young women in particular require to be protected from you.” He further noted that in two instances where the girls did not want to have sex, Duffin effectively wore them down to the point where they felt they had no choice but to comply.
As part of his sentence, Duffin was granted a five-year Non-Harassment Order to prevent any contact with his three victims.
His detention, which was backdated to August 8 when he was first taken into custody, includes a two-year extended sentence.
This means that if he re-offends, he will be returned to custody for that period, ensuring close monitoring of his behavior upon release.
Additionally, Duffin’s name has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, marking the legal consequences of his actions and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
