DONALD AND SUZANNE BARNES FROM SWINDON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has shocked the community of Swindon, a married couple, Donald and Suzanne Barnes, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls.The couple, aged 57 and 55 respectively, residing at The Cullerns in Highworth, faced justice at Swindon Crown Court where their crimes were thoroughly examined and judged.
Judge Tim Mousley presided over the case and handed down sentences that will see the couple separated after 34 years of marriage.
Donald Barnes was sentenced to five years in prison, while Suzanne Barnes received a four-year term.
The reduction in Suzanne’s sentence was partly due to her particular vulnerability, which was highlighted during the proceedings.
The couple had entered pleas of not guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of indecency with a child and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Despite their denials, the court found them guilty after a detailed trial that revealed the extent of their abuse.
The offences took place over a period spanning from August 2000 to August 2005, involving two girls aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the incidents.
Each charge was linked to numerous separate incidents, and Judge Mousley emphasized the repeated nature of the offences.
He described the acts as acts of extreme depravity, noting that the defendants showed no remorse or hesitation during the commission of these acts.
The judge stated, “These were acts of extreme depravity and not once did you appear to query whether what you were doing was appropriate.” He further explained the profound and lasting impact on the victims, stating, “These were vulnerable, young girls and they will bear the emotional scars that you have caused them for many, many years, perhaps the rest of their lives.” The judge also acknowledged the ripple effect of the abuse, affecting not only the victims but also their loved ones and the entire families involved.
Despite the severity of the crimes, Judge Mousley noted that the defendants had shown no remorse, which prevented any reduction in their sentences.
However, he did consider mitigating factors, including the fact that both individuals had no prior convictions and were in their mid-50s.
Several references and testimonies from people who knew the couple described them as hardworking individuals, and it was noted that both were experiencing health issues.
In their defense, legal representatives Leanne Evans for Donald Barnes and Charles Row for Suzanne Barnes highlighted their clients’ poor health.
Suzanne Barnes had recently undergone a full hip replacement and was dealing with complications such as a blood clot requiring daily treatment.
She also suffers from epilepsy, depression, and arthritis.
Donald Barnes was reported to need a new knee, and he also suffers from arthritis and depression.
Both were described as slow learners with mild cognitive impairments, which the defense argued should be taken into account.
Prosecutor Colin Meeke, while not elaborating on the specifics of the offences, acknowledged the significant emotional toll on the victims, stating, “It is clear the events have troubled them greatly and left an impact upon their lives.” The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Swindon, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the consequences of such heinous acts.
