JOHN OWEN DOVER SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT AFTER BBC CRIMEWATCH APPEAL AND FLEEING DARTFORD

In January 2016, a notorious sex offender from Dover, John Barnett, also known as John Owen, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being apprehended following a Crimewatch appeal broadcast by the BBC. The conviction came after Barnett was identified through a photograph shown on the program, which was part of an effort by Kent police to locate him due to his breach of reporting requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

Barnett, aged 66 and described as a bearded man with a receding hairline, was found sleeping rough near Dartford when police arrested him. During his arrest, he loudly proclaimed, “I just want you to know that I am not guilty!” despite the jury’s verdict of guilty on four counts of sexual offences involving a young teenager. Judge Adele Williams, presiding over the case at Canterbury Crown Court, expressed her strong disapproval of Barnett’s denial, stating, “In my opinion you are a predatory sex offender with a sexual interest in children and someone who poses a significant risk of causing serious harm to children.”

Barnett’s criminal history is extensive. He was previously jailed for four years in 2003 after being convicted of indecently assaulting an eight-year-old boy. His latest conviction resulted in a 10-year extended sentence, comprising a six-year immediate term plus an additional four years to be served on licence upon release. The court heard that Barnett was caught after his photograph was circulated on Crimewatch in May 2013, following an appeal by Kent police for information about his whereabouts. The police had been seeking him because he was in breach of his duty to inform authorities of his current address.

Further investigations revealed that Barnett had been involved in a series of visits across various locations, including Dartford, London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Blackpool, and Scarborough. His movements raised concerns among law enforcement officials, especially after a tip-off indicated that he had committed offenses in Lancashire over a decade earlier. A man later contacted police to report that Barnett had sexually abused him in Lancashire more than ten years ago.

Prosecutor Nicholas Dunham detailed the disturbing case at Canterbury Crown Court, explaining that Barnett had invited a young boy, who came from a less affluent family, to assist him with some DIY tasks. Over the following months, Barnett showered the boy with gifts, including clothing, football boots worth £100, and even took him on a 16-day camping trip across France, Germany, and Holland. After leaving Lancashire, Barnett left a £2,000 gift as a token of appreciation for the boy’s help, which included a Vauxhall Corsa vehicle. The family, recognizing Barnett’s generosity, accepted the gifts despite their limited financial means.

Subsequently, Barnett moved to Wales and invited the teenager to stay with him. It was during this period that Barnett committed some of the sexual assaults. The court heard that Barnett’s criminal activities spanned many years, with his previous conviction and recent offences highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior. His actions prompted a police investigation that ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.

In August 2012, Barnett, then aged 62, was described as a dangerous child sex offender who had gone missing from Dover. He was last seen by his landlord on April 14 of that year. Authorities expressed concern that Barnett might attempt to befriend another family to carry out further abuse. He was known to have visited several locations, including Dartford, London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Blackpool, and Scarborough, but his current whereabouts remained unknown at the time of reporting. Barnett was identified as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a beer belly, grey receding hair, and a drooping face resulting from a stroke he suffered a few years prior. He has eagle tattoos on both arms, may be wearing a hearing aid, and is known to smoke and drink whisky. Additionally, he has eczema-like skin conditions on his forearms and hands, and there is speculation that he may have shaved his head and beard to alter his appearance.

Law enforcement officials continue to appeal for information from the public, urging anyone with knowledge of Barnett’s current location to contact DS Ren Johnson or Jodie Strickett at 01227 868049 or to call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to track down and bring to justice individuals with a history of sexual offenses against children.