Febuary 2008 Child sex offender jailed for 14 years A MAN who committed a series of atrocious sex offences against children – one of them just five years old – has been jailed for 14 years. Barry Proctor, formerly of Birkenhead but now living in Sutton Way, Great Sutton, was convicted on 17 of 26 charges after a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court in December. The jury took just over a day to find Proctor, 61, guilty of three rape offences and six offences of gross indecency on a child. Proctor, who must register on the Sex Offenders’ Register when he is released from jail, was also found guilty of three indecent assaults on a male and five indecent assaults on a female. The offences took place over a 15-year period and one of his victims as young as five. Proctor, formerly of Birkenhead, was acquitted by the jury on one rape offence and one indecent assault on a female. No verdict was returned for seven charges, including five rape offences, one indecent assault on a female and a serious sexual offence against a young man. Marc Le Brocq, defending, said: “There is very little I can say other than this defendant faced a number of rape allegations and has been found guilty on only one of the five victims. “He’s going to receive a substantial sentence but at 61 it’s clearly going to hit him hard.” Mr Brocq said Proctor had fallen from the top bunk in prison, injuring himself so severely that he would need a hip replacement. Judge David Hale sentenced Proctor to 14 years in prison but told him he might be released on parole after half or two-thirds had been served. Judge Hale said: “It went on from the late 70s until the early 90s but there is no allegation of anything since 1993. “So this gives us a period of 15 years or so in which you would be prepared to indecently assault, for your own gratification, children. “Despite being 61 and this happening 14 years ago the courts are bound to take a serious view and to punish you severely. “Yes, you’re 61 and not in good health, but the total sentence will be 14 years in prison. “You will also sign onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for life when you are released and you are prohibited forever from working with children.” After the sentencing hearing, DC Brendan Crilley, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Western Area Public Protection Unit, said: “This has been a particularly traumatic case for those involved and I would like to praise the witnesses who have shown great courage to publicly relive horrific experiences. “The investigation, and the case brought against Procter, would not have succeeded without the honesty and bravery of these people. “I would like to pass on my personal appreciation to the victims for being prepared to come forward and make the conviction possible. “Hopefully the conclusion of this case will enable them to gain some sense of closure and will hopefully prevent other children from becoming victims of this evil man.” Detective Cons Crilley added: “Hope-fully the courage shown by the victims in this case will encourage other victims of similar offences to make contact with Cheshire Police. “The PPU is staffed by extremely dedicated and understanding officers who are used to dealing with sensitive issues.” q If you have been the victim of a similar crime, contact Cheshire Police on             0845 458 0000       or Crimestoppers anonymously on             0800 555 111