MAN SENTENCED TO 26 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PAEDOPHILIA AND ABUSE
Update: Paedophile who was convicted of several child sex offences has died of sepsis while a prisoner at HMP Northumberland.Barry Rossiter, from Walker, had served just over two years of his 26 year sentence when he died.
The 69-year-old was found guilty of 23 child sex offences including rape, indecent assault, indecency with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, attempted rape and sexual assault at trial in 2021; and was sentenced in February 2022.
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A man described as a 'predatory paedophile' has been sentenced to 26 years behind bars for raping and abusing primary school-aged children.
Barry Rossiter, 67, of Evistones Gardens in Walker, Newcastle, assaulted five victims over a span of thirty years.
One of these victims was just three years old at the time of abuse.
Rossiter was found guilty on 23 charges following a trial held last year.
Newcastle Crown Court heard about his extensive offending, which included offences such as rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activities.
During the sentencing, Judge Sarah Mallett described the harm caused by Rossiter as 'profound and permanent,' emphasizing her serious view of his actions.
She remarked, 'You are going to spend the rest of your life in prison, that is my intention.' She also labelled him a 'predatory paedophile.' One of the victims delivered an impact statement at the hearing, saying to Rossiter: 'I didn't deserve what you did to me, absolutely nobody does.' She expressed her feelings of anger and pain, adding, 'I despise your every living cell.' The woman shared that she had experienced flashbacks and had been living in 'survival mode' due to the abuse she endured as a child.
'I know the trauma will exist for the rest of my life so it's only fair for him to live the rest of his days in prison,' she stated.
She also highlighted the lifelong pain and trauma caused not only to her but to others as well.
Other victims also recounted the devastating impact the abuse has had on their lives and relationships.
In addition to the prison sentence, Rossiter was given a two-year extension to his licence period.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and must adhere to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
Paul Cross, defending Rossiter, stated that he was in poor health and suggested that the prison sentence is one he might not survive.
