COLWYN BAY AND RHYL FATHER AND SON BARRY FORD AND CRAIG MCKELLAR SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Colwyn Bay and Rhyl, two men, Barry Ford and Craig McKellar, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over several decades. The case was heard at Mold Crown Court, where the judge described the actions of the father and son as a profound betrayal of trust and a source of immense suffering for their victims.

Barry Ford, aged 64, originally from Wolverhampton but residing in Colwyn Bay at the time of sentencing, received an 18-year prison sentence after being convicted of six counts of rape and ten counts of sexual assault. His crimes spanned from the 1980s, with evidence indicating that he had been abusing victims for many years, including children and vulnerable women. The court heard that Ford, who previously worked as a representative for the cosmetic company Avon, had a disturbing pattern of behavior, which included forcing his young victims to wear makeup and perfume, further humiliating and controlling them.

Craig McKellar, aged 31 and formerly of Rhyl but now living in Colwyn Bay, was sentenced to 10 years after being convicted of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault. The court was told that McKellar’s own troubled upbringing, marked by a lack of proper guidance and a difficult start in life, contributed to his actions. It was revealed that McKellar had committed sexual offenses as a child, for which he could not be prosecuted, but later offenses in his twenties led to his conviction.

The prosecution presented evidence that Ford had corrupted his son from a young age, and that their crimes were committed in a manner that used their victims as “sexual objects.” The judge, Rhys Rowlands, praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, many of whom were children or young people at the time of the abuse. The court heard that some victims had suffered severe consequences, including one who was driven into prostitution to pay for an abortion resulting from a rape.

During the proceedings, it was disclosed that police investigations into Ford’s activities had begun in the Midlands during the 1980s and 1990s, but he was never prosecuted at that time. Ford believed he had escaped justice and continued his offending behavior, which only came to light years later when victims finally reported their experiences to North Wales Police.

Judge Rowlands described the men’s outward appearances as deceptive, noting that they appeared to be considerate and charitable individuals, but in reality, they had exploited their positions of trust to commit unspeakable acts. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact their crimes had on the victims, with some suffering lifelong trauma. One victim was so badly affected that she resorted to prostitution to fund an abortion after being raped.

Ford denied all charges, but after two separate trials, he was convicted of seven counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault. McKellar admitted to four counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape. The prosecution’s case was supported by victims who, now adults, bravely testified about their childhood experiences. Ford’s defense argued for leniency, citing his age and life expectancy, while McKellar’s legal team highlighted his psychological damage and need for specialized help.

Detective Constable Paul Jones commented after sentencing, stating, “This has been a complex investigation involving victims of all ages across different parts of the country. Ford, who was found guilty of these offences, has shown no remorse, and his actions have caused immense suffering to his victims and their families.” The case underscores the importance of reporting abuse and the resilience of those who come forward to seek justice against such predatory behavior.