CHRISTOPHER BARRABLE SENTENCED IN CRANLEIGH AND PORTSMOUTH FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

In November 2015, 72-year-old convicted paedophile Christopher Barrable from Hesketh Close, Cranleigh, was sentenced to prison for breaching his sexual offences prevention order for the second time. Barrable was initially imprisoned in July 2011 after being found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, and was subsequently subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

Despite the order, Barrable breached its conditions again, prompting further restrictions. He faced court last Friday, November 6, at Guildford Crown Court, where he admitted to three counts of breaching the prevention order and two counts of failing to notify authorities as required.

Prosecutor Toni Cottee explained, “He was restricted from using computers and accessing the internet. On January 15 last year, police conducted an unannounced visit to his home due to monitoring. During the visit, they asked to see his laptop, and he made an unsolicited comment, saying ‘I do delete the history.’” She added, “During the visit, officers also found he possessed a Kindle tablet and a mobile phone.”

When arrested, officers found a credit card in the name of Mr. Baker and another in Barrable’s own name. The court was informed that the credit card in the alias was part of Barrable’s plan to change his name, not an attempt at deception. However, failing to inform police about the new cards constituted a breach of his notification order.

Judge Christopher Critchlow stated, “What it comes down to is this is the second time you have to be sentenced by the court for breaching a sexual offences prevention order, and that cannot be overlooked. The breaches did not involve any sexual activity, which I note. I also take into account your guilty plea at the first opportunity. Nonetheless, I see only one appropriate sentence given the risk to the community.”

Barrable was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with half to be served, and was ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Earlier, in August 2011, Barrable, then a pensioner in Portchester, was jailed for 2.5 years after being found guilty of repeatedly abusing a girl aged five and six during 2009 and 2010. The trial included a DVD interview with the girl, in which she said, “He was being bad,” and expressed her anger over his actions. She explained that Barrable repeatedly touched her by putting his hand under her underwear.

Barrable admitted to touching the girl but denied it was sexual in nature. The allegations came to light after the girl confided in her parents. His lawyer, Adrienne Knight, highlighted his previously good character, noting he had been a bridge teacher often employed on cruise ships, but that he lost his contracts, his home, and friends after the allegations.

Throughout the trial, Barrable sat quietly, with his partner supporting him in the public gallery. Judge Roger Hetherington sentenced him, stating, “The touching was done despite the girl’s repeated attempts to stop you. When she was only five or six, over a prolonged period, you put your hand under her clothing and moved it around. This has had a devastating impact on her, and therefore, a custodial sentence is justified.” Barrable was placed on the sex offenders’ register following the conviction.