LEEDS MAN BARRY MILBURN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YORK GIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Leeds and York, Barry Milburn, aged 61, has been sentenced to four years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl from York. The court also imposed an indefinite ban on Milburn from working with children, marking one of the first instances in the country under a new child protection law designed to prevent offenders from re-entering environments where they could pose a risk to minors.

According to the proceedings at York Crown Court, Milburn engaged in a prolonged pattern of sexual assault against the girl, beginning when she was just eight years old. The abuse persisted over a period of approximately four to five years, with incidents occurring at times on a weekly basis. The court heard that the young girl was subjected to multiple acts of indecent assault and gross indecency, with Milburn pleading guilty to five specific charges related to these offenses. These crimes took place while he was residing in York during the 1980s.

Judge Paul Hoffman, presiding over the case, sentenced Milburn to four years in prison and ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders' register for life. During the sentencing, the judge remarked, “You inflicted heavy emotional damage upon her and to some extent you recognise this,” highlighting the profound psychological impact of Milburn’s actions on his victim.

The court was informed that the victim had suffered significant emotional distress, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts, as a direct result of the abuse. Her suffering was detailed by Mr. Williams, who explained that the girl had harmed herself and had, on occasion, contemplated ending her life because of the trauma inflicted by Milburn.

It was revealed that the abuse began with less severe sexual misconduct and escalated over time, with incidents occurring regularly over the course of five years. When the girl reached adulthood, she confronted her abuser, who responded callously, telling her, “You should have said no.”

Milburn’s remorse was discussed during the case, with Diane Campbell stating that the abuse lasted for four years. She noted that he ceased his actions after a particularly serious incident, claiming that he suddenly realized what he was doing. Since then, Milburn has reportedly been living with the consequences of his actions and has disclosed his crimes to his family and friends. However, his family’s reactions have been mixed; while some found it difficult to believe, his son was so appalled that he severed all ties, declaring, “As far as I am concerned, my father no longer exists; he is dead.”

The case underscores the importance of new child protection laws aimed at safeguarding minors and holding offenders accountable. Milburn’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children in the Leeds and York areas.