GOOLE YOUTH WORKER GARY BARTLE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEEN GIRL IN YORKSHIRE

In April 2007, a disturbing case emerged involving Gary Bartle, a vocational trainer from Howden, near Goole, who was convicted of abusing his position of trust to engage in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl. The incident has shocked the local community and highlighted serious concerns about safeguarding and professional conduct within educational environments in Yorkshire.

Gary Bartle, aged 44, was described by a judge as a 'sexual predator' after he admitted to having an inappropriate and illicit affair with the teenage girl he met at the educational establishment where he worked. Over a period of two months, Bartle, who was married at the time, cultivated a close relationship with the girl, initially acting as a confidant and listener to her personal problems. However, this relationship soon took a darker turn as he began sending her sexually suggestive text messages, becoming overly friendly and flirtatious in his interactions.

The court heard that Bartle met the girl at the educational centre in Yorkshire, where he was employed as a vocational trainer. Their relationship escalated to physical intimacy, with Bartle having sex with the girl on multiple occasions. Prosecutor Mark Bury told Hull Crown Court that Bartle had expressed a desire for the girl to be his girlfriend, claiming he missed her. Their relationship progressed to the point where he kissed her and engaged in sexual activity in his office, as well as in his car and at his home.

It was revealed that the girl confided in a youth worker about the affair, which led to her being encouraged to contact the police. In her statement, she expressed feelings of confusion, shame, and betrayal. She stated, “I was left with a great feeling of confusion. I felt very dirty and let down. I felt sick that he has taken advantage of me. He pretended to care for me and listen to my problems, when all he wanted was to have sex with me. I’m very angry with him.” The girl also expressed her concern about the impact of the affair on her education, emphasizing her desire to continue her coursework without disruption.

During the court proceedings, Bartle’s defense lawyer, Tony Stevenson, highlighted that he had a step-child and two children to support. At the time of sentencing, Bartle was working in recruitment, but only with adult clients. Stevenson pointed out that Bartle had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, had no previous convictions, and was unaware that his actions constituted an offence. The lawyer also noted that as a consequence of the case, Bartle was ordered to live apart from his children and was facing financial difficulties.

Stevenson added, “He was going through a crisis. He realised he had sunk to new depths. He accepts her feelings have been badly hurt by all this. The children want their father back and they all want to regain an even keel after this disastrous behaviour by Gary Bartle.”

Judge Tom Cracknell condemned Bartle’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of the situation given his recent marriage. He stated, “He was just married and had exchanged vows that he was going to be faithful for the rest of his life. Yet within a few weeks he was taking advantage of a young woman.” The judge described Bartle as devious, manipulative, and predatory, warning that such behaviour damages lives profoundly. “This was a pathetic relationship. This was a gross abuse of trust,” he declared.

In sentencing, Judge Cracknell acknowledged the limited capacity of Britain’s prison system and decided not to impose a lengthy jail term. Instead, Bartle was ordered to complete a three-year community order, which includes mandatory attendance at a sex offenders’ treatment programme. Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children and required to register on the National Sex Offenders’ Register. The judge also issued a stern warning about the consequences of engaging in similar relationships in the future, emphasizing the importance of accountability and safeguarding in professional roles.