BARRY MIDGLEY FROM OKEHAMPTON SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In May 2015, Barry Midgley, a 67-year-old resident of Okehampton, was handed down a substantial prison sentence of 23 years after being found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving child sexual abuse. The conviction followed a meticulous investigation that was significantly aided by the efforts of a vigilant mother who suspected Midgley's inappropriate behavior and took the crucial step of secretly recording his confession.

Midgley's criminal activities spanned over ten years, during which he was accused of multiple serious offenses, including attempted rape, indecent assaults, and engaging in sexual activities with children. The evidence collected, particularly the covert recording of Midgley's own admission, played a pivotal role in securing his conviction. The court heard that his actions caused profound trauma to the victims, leaving lasting emotional scars.

The judge overseeing the case emphasized the gravity of the crimes, describing the situation as extremely serious. The lengthy sentence was not only a reflection of the severity of Midgley's offenses but also a measure intended to prevent him from harming others in the future. The case has drawn significant attention to the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting vulnerable children from predatory individuals within communities like Okehampton.