OLDHAM WOMAN GEMMA BARTON FROM WARRINGTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PROSTITUTION SCANDAL

In a recent development at Warrington Crown Court, Gemma Barton, a 24-year-old woman originally from Oldham, faced legal proceedings related to her previous involvement in criminal activities linked to prostitution and her failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. The case unfolded after police apprehended her on April 9 at a homeless hostel in Warrington, prompting a series of investigations and court hearings.

Prosecutor Peter Frost outlined that Barton had become the subject of a police manhunt after she mysteriously vanished from public records for two weeks. This disappearance was particularly concerning because she had failed to inform authorities of her whereabouts following her departure from a women’s hostel in Liverpool in March. The hostel was a temporary residence for her after her release from prison in October of the previous year. Her release was contingent upon her serving time for breaching a 12-month suspended sentence, which had been imposed after her arrest for a serious crime involving the exploitation of a minor.

The court proceedings revealed that Barton, who has a history of drug addiction and was previously involved in prostitution, had admitted her role in luring a 12-year-old girl into a life of drugs and illegal sexual activities. This disturbing case was initially brought to light at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester in November 2007. During that trial, it was disclosed that the young girl from Oldham had been subjected to sexual encounters with over 300 men over a span of two years. The girl was introduced to crack cocaine and heroin by Barton, which further exacerbated her vulnerability and led to her exploitation.

It was also revealed that Barton, at the time a homeless teenager, had taken money from the young girl in exchange for arranging her sexual encounters. Despite her involvement in these heinous acts, Barton was described as a vulnerable individual who had suffered abuse herself and had been placed into care at the age of 14. Her background and circumstances painted a complex picture of a young woman caught in a cycle of substance abuse and exploitation.

As part of her sentencing, Barton, who was formerly residing in Oldham, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. Her failure to notify authorities of her change in residence was considered a breach of her legal obligations, and Mr. Frost pointed out that her issues with compliance were rooted in her ongoing struggles with drug addiction.

During the hearing, her defense attorney, Michael Hopkinson, stated that Barton’s current partner was willing to allow her to live with him in Birkenhead, suggesting a potential step towards stability. Judge Thomas Teague QC, after considering her time already spent in custody—six weeks at that point—concluded that Barton had paid her dues and decided against sending her back to jail. The judge’s decision reflected a recognition of her efforts to rehabilitate and the complexities surrounding her case, ultimately opting for a lenient approach in light of her circumstances.