DALE BARNETT SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN SWINDON FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE
In a case that has shocked the community of Swindon, Dale Barnett has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young child.The crimes, which spanned over a period of nearly two years, involved Barnett repeatedly abusing a girl aged between eight and ten years old.
Between April 1999 and early January 2001, Barnett, who resides on Grange Drive in Swindon, committed over 30 separate acts of molestation against the young girl.
These acts included various forms of sexual assault, with Barnett attempting to have sex with the child on at least one occasion during this 20-month period.
The severity and frequency of his offenses underscored the grave nature of his crimes.
Barnett, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, faced multiple charges.
He pleaded not guilty to seven counts of indecent assault on a child under 13 and one count of attempted sexual intercourse with a child under 13.
However, after a four-day trial at Swindon Crown Court, the jury convicted him of all but one of the charges.
The court's verdict reflected the overwhelming evidence presented against him.
Given the seriousness of the offenses involving a child under 13, the judge imposed an additional one-year extended license period on Barnett’s sentence.
This means that he will not be eligible for automatic release at the halfway point of his sentence.
Instead, he will only be considered for parole when the parole board deems it safe, which could be after serving the full 12 years.
Barnett will have the opportunity to apply for release after six years, but there is no guarantee he will be freed at that time.
The jury's deliberations resulted in a guilty verdict on three counts of serious sexual assault, including one count that involved at least ten separate incidents.
They also found him guilty by majority on at least 20 additional occasions of sexual misconduct.
Conversely, the jury acquitted him of a second multi-incident count, which alleged more than 20 additional acts.
In addition to his prison sentence, Barnett is mandated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
He is also prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the court’s recognition of the ongoing risk he poses to society.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Swindon, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators.
