CHRISTOPHER BARFE SENTENCED IN DURHAM FOR VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES
A man who subjected his former partner to two years of emotional abuse and controlling behavior is now serving time in prison.Christopher Barfe, 33, of South Street, Sherburn Village, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for his violent and controlling conduct during his relationship.
Additionally, he received a consecutive sentence of two years for sexual offences committed against a teenage girl while under the influence of alcohol in a separate incident.
Barfe pleaded guilty to some charges but was convicted after a trial earlier this year on others, including sexual assault.
His total sentence amounts to 56 months, which was handed down at Durham Crown Court following victim statement testimonies.
Prosecutor Jane Waugh described Barfe’s controlling behavior during the relationship as persistent and prolonged, involving multiple tactics and often instilling fear of violence, causing serious psychological damage.
His assaults involved hair pulling, kicking, and strangulation, which led the victim to relocate to escape the trauma and suffer flashbacks.
Barfe was known to check her phone repeatedly, accuse her of cheating, and even created a fake online account to monitor her activity.
In one incident, after a male acquaintance liked a photo on her Instagram, Barfe erupted in rage, calling her 'poison' and 'the worst woman I ever met.' During a violent outburst, he put his hands around her throat, strangling her until she collapsed crying.
On another occasion, he brandished a gun, causing her to fear she would be shot, and he also threatened to chop her into pieces.
Her injuries included a black eye and cuts on her head.
The court heard that Barfe’s offences involving the girl included inappropriate kissing and performing a sex act in her presence.
Initially denying all charges, Barfe later admitted to three counts of assault against his ex-partner and on the day of his trial, pleaded guilty to further charges of controlling and coercive behavior.
Ultimately, he was convicted after a three-day trial of two counts of sexual assault and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Defence solicitor Brian Russell stated that Barfe’s previous convictions were minimal and that since his remand following the January verdicts, he has acknowledged the harm caused.
He noted that much of Barfe’s offending was linked to his unhealthy relationship with alcohol, contrasting with other defendants who often deny wrongdoing.
Judge Ray Singh sentenced Barfe to prison and issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, preventing him from unsupervised contact with underage girls and subjecting him to notification requirements as a sex offender for ten years.
Additionally, restraining orders prohibit him from approaching or contacting either victim for a decade.
