BARRY REDDISH OF ROTHERHAM CAUGHT WATCHING BABESTATION WHILE BABYSITTING BOYS IN BRAMPTON
In March 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Barry Reddish, a man with a troubling past, in the town of Rotherham.Reddish, who had previously served time for serious sexual offenses against young boys, was once again at the center of a criminal investigation after his actions while babysitting raised significant concerns.
Reddish, aged 52 at the time, had a history that included convictions for gross indecency and indecent assault against minors, with sentences handed down in 1992 and 1998.
His criminal record also included a further imprisonment in November 2005 for breaching a sexual harm prevention order that had been previously imposed upon him.
Despite these convictions, Reddish found himself working at a convenience store in Brampton, where he became known to local children and their parents, raising alarm among community members and authorities alike.
The investigation was initiated by South Yorkshire Police after reports emerged that Reddish had been entrusted with the care of children.
One particular incident involved a parent who approached the authorities after requesting Reddish to look after her young son.
On that occasion, Reddish spent the night at her residence, caring for her son and a friend of similar age.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Simon Reevell revealed that Reddish allowed the boys to stay awake until 1 a.m., and when they later went downstairs to get some food, they discovered a disturbing sight: Reddish was watching Babestation, a television channel known for adult content.
Further troubling details emerged when Reddish was asked to babysit the same boy and another friend on subsequent occasions.
On this second occasion, he looked after all three boys over a span of two nights.
The children slept in the living room, and the group shared meals, including McDonald's.
The court heard that Reddish’s actions constituted a blatant breach of his previous court orders and demonstrated a pattern of inappropriate behavior.
Judge David Kelly, presiding over the case at Sheffield Crown Court, described Reddish’s babysitting as a “flagrant breach” of the law.
He emphasized that the persistence of Reddish’s misconduct made the situation even more serious.
In light of his admitted breaches of the sexual harm prevention order, Reddish was sentenced to three years in prison.
The court’s decision underscored the gravity of his repeated violations and the ongoing risk he posed to children in the community of Rotherham.
