BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER DAVID BARRAS SENTENCED FOR ABUSING 6-YEAR-OLD BOY
In April 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in Bradford involving David Barras, a 63-year-old man with a troubling history of criminal behavior, who was convicted of sexually abusing a six-year-old boy.Barras, a former church treasurer and chartered accountant, exploited a vulnerable young child by deliberately orchestrating circumstances that allowed him to be alone with the boy in a private setting.
According to court reports, Barras lured the child into a situation where he could carry out his malicious intent.
He instructed the young boy to remove his clothing and, over a period of up to 30 minutes, attempted to persuade him to engage in a sexual act.
Barras’s actions were calculated and manipulative, taking advantage of the child's innocence and trust.
At the time of the offense, Barras was on prison license after having previously stolen more than £30,000 from a parish in Bradford, specifically from the Tong and Holme Wood Parochial Church Council.
His criminal record also includes a 1992 conviction for stealing £10,000 while serving as treasurer of a Citizens Advice Bureau.
The court heard that Barras had a history of financial misconduct, which further underscored his pattern of criminal behavior.
Prosecutor Stephen Wood described Barras as lacking any genuine remorse or insight into the harm caused.
During the trial at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Barras had dropped his lower clothing and exposed himself to the child, intentionally blocking his path for an extended period while attempting to carry out the abuse.
The prosecutor emphasized that the experience must have been terrifying and confusing for the young victim.
The victim’s mother provided a heartfelt statement, describing how her son, once a sociable and popular child, had become withdrawn, struggling with sleep and showing less interest in play.
She was visibly emotional, mourning the loss of her child's innocence and the profound impact of Barras’s actions.
In his defense, Barras admitted to investigators that he targeted the boy because he believed the child was vulnerable.
He claimed that he had asked the boy to undress to make the experience “better,” citing past thoughts of being a naturist as a justification.
Barras also expressed that he believed the police interview was more damaging to the boy than his own actions, displaying a disturbing lack of understanding of the psychological damage inflicted.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC sentenced Barras to a seven-year extended sentence, with a minimum of four years to be served in prison.
Following his release, Barras will be subject to a three-year extended license period under strict supervision.
The judge described Barras as a public danger, condemning his calculated and remorseless behavior.
Barras was also ordered to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for an indefinite period, sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and adhere to a restraining order preventing contact with the victim and his family.
Judge Durham Hall explicitly stated that Barras’s actions were premeditated and driven by a desire to exploit the child, highlighting the severity of his misconduct and the absence of empathy.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable children from predators like Barras in Bradford.
