BARRY HELSBY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS
| Red Rose Database
Newton-le-Willows Sexual Abuser
In March 2004, a man from Newton-le-Willows named Barry Helsby was sentenced to serve four and a half years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving a young girl. Helsby, aged 33 and residing on Crown Street in Newton-le-Willows, faced a jury at Liverpool Crown Court where he was found guilty of ten counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency.
These charges stemmed from a series of abusive acts committed against a girl during her early childhood, specifically between the ages of five and nine. The victim, now a teenager, provided her testimony via video link during the trial, offering a crucial account of the abuse she endured. The court's decision to convict Helsby marked a significant step in seeking justice for the young girl and her family.
Following the sentencing, the victim’s stepfather expressed a sense of relief and hope for the future. He remarked, “It’s been a very tough time for us. She (the victim) has not wanted to go out and my wife has not wanted to go to town. It is a relief. She had been in limbo but she can now rebuild her life.” The family’s ordeal had clearly taken a toll on their daily lives, but the conviction provided a measure of closure.
Despite the emotional strain, the family emphasized that they never considered dropping the case. The stepfather added, “You’ve just got to be confident in your case and look to the future. I don’t think he’ll ever come back to live in this town.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Helsby was placed on a two-year licence upon his release, which included restrictions on his activities. He was explicitly banned from working with children and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. Helsby had maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying all charges against him. The court’s ruling reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the community’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse.
These charges stemmed from a series of abusive acts committed against a girl during her early childhood, specifically between the ages of five and nine. The victim, now a teenager, provided her testimony via video link during the trial, offering a crucial account of the abuse she endured. The court's decision to convict Helsby marked a significant step in seeking justice for the young girl and her family.
Following the sentencing, the victim’s stepfather expressed a sense of relief and hope for the future. He remarked, “It’s been a very tough time for us. She (the victim) has not wanted to go out and my wife has not wanted to go to town. It is a relief. She had been in limbo but she can now rebuild her life.” The family’s ordeal had clearly taken a toll on their daily lives, but the conviction provided a measure of closure.
Despite the emotional strain, the family emphasized that they never considered dropping the case. The stepfather added, “You’ve just got to be confident in your case and look to the future. I don’t think he’ll ever come back to live in this town.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Helsby was placed on a two-year licence upon his release, which included restrictions on his activities. He was explicitly banned from working with children and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. Helsby had maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying all charges against him. The court’s ruling reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the community’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse.