JOHN WARRY OF BARRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN CARDIFF - JUDGES INCREASE SENTENCE

In February 2017, a deeply disturbing case emerged involving John Warry, a resident of Barry, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young child. The incident involved the abuse of a toddler, with Warry engaging in sexual acts with the girl and subsequently celebrating her actions by giving her a high-five. This shocking behavior was uncovered during a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where Warry was found guilty of six counts of raping a child under the age of 13.

Warry, aged 67, was initially sentenced to nine years in prison for his crimes. Additionally, he was ordered to serve an extra year on license following his release, a decision that drew significant criticism from legal authorities. The case drew attention when the Solicitor-General, Robert Buckland QC, challenged the leniency of the sentence during an appeal at London's Court of Appeal, arguing that the punishment did not adequately reflect the severity of the offenses.

During the proceedings, Lord Justice Davis detailed the disturbing nature of Warry’s actions, revealing that he would make the young girl perform sexual acts on him and then celebrate her compliance with a high-five. Warry, who resides on Well Walk in Barry, denied the allegations when questioned by a probation officer, claiming that the girl was a “storyteller” and denying any abuse.

Prosecutor Joel Smith emphasized the victim’s extreme youth and the repeated nature of the offenses, underscoring the gravity of the case. Conversely, Warry’s defense lawyer, Matthew Roberts, argued that the original sentence was appropriate, citing the brief duration of the attacks and the absence of violence involved. Roberts also highlighted Warry’s dependence on his wife, who has mobility issues, suggesting that a harsher sentence might unduly impact her.

However, the Court of Appeal, with Lord Justice Davis, Ms Justice Russell, and David Stockdale QC presiding, concluded that the original sentencing was unduly lenient. The judges agreed that the case warranted a more severe punishment. Lord Justice Davis stated, “The sentencing process went wrong here,” and emphasized that the victim’s vulnerability due to her young age necessitated a stricter penalty.

Ultimately, the court increased Warry’s sentence to a minimum of 12 years in prison, coupled with an extended license period of one year, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for justice for the young victim.