BARRY THURTELL SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN WOOTTON BASSETT

In March 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving Barry Thurtell, a 37-year-old man from Wootton Bassett, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl under the age of ten. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the crimes and the chilling evidence uncovered during the investigation.

Thurtell's arrest followed the victim, a young girl, confiding in her mother about the abuse she had endured. Her mother, deeply distressed, reported the matter to the authorities, prompting a police search of Thurtell's residence located in Blackthorne Close, Wootton Bassett. During the search, law enforcement officials discovered a photograph on Thurtell's mobile phone depicting the young girl being coerced into a sexual act. This image served as crucial evidence linking Thurtell to the crime.

Further examination of Thurtell's computer revealed a disturbing collection of indecent images involving five other children. Prosecutor Susan Evans told Swindon Crown Court that the young girl had disclosed that Thurtell had touched her inappropriately at her home, including in the bathroom, shed, and lounge, as well as at Thurtell's residence. The court was informed that the defendant's computer contained five indecent images of teenage girls, all under the age of 16, emphasizing the extent of his illegal activities.

Of particular concern was the photograph on Thurtell's mobile phone, which depicted the victim. When questioned by police, Thurtell could offer no coherent explanation for the image. He claimed he was intoxicated at the time and could not remember whether he had assaulted the girl, a statement that further implicated him. The victim's mother was asked to identify her daughter in a cropped version of the photograph, confirming her suspicion of Thurtell's involvement.

The young girl later told her mother that Thurtell had touched her private parts during visits, including when they were in the bathroom. Although Thurtell denied these allegations when confronted, the mother believed her daughter and was understandably devastated by the accusations. The girl, at just eight years old, had previously disclosed the abuse in July 2007, stating that Thurtell had touched her again. During police interviews, the girl expressed her fear, saying she believed Thurtell would be