MATTHEW BARLOW COWBOY PESTERED SCHOOLGIRLS AT RUNCORN CASTLEFIELDS HOEDOWN

In a disturbing incident that took place in October 2003 at the Elton community centre near Helsby, a man named Matthew Barlow, aged 28 and residing on Limekiln Row in Castlefields, Runcorn, engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior towards two underage girls. The event occurred during a line-dancing event held at the community centre, where Barlow, dressed in a cowboy costume, targeted two 13-year-old schoolgirls.

According to court proceedings, Barlow approached the young girls and began a conversation, during which he offered them whisky from a hip flask concealed beneath his cowboy attire. The court heard that Barlow was aware of the girls' ages but continued to pursue them, making unwelcome advances and inappropriate suggestions. The situation escalated when Barlow's accomplice, also dressed in costume, threatened to expose himself and made lewd remarks about what was hidden beneath a fake raccoon tail attached to his waist.

Prosecutor Maria Massellis detailed how the girls, who were pupils at a secondary school in Runcorn, had asked Barlow to buy them drinks at the bar during the event. The girls' interaction with Barlow continued into the evening, and after the event concluded, they were picked up by one of their mothers around midnight. It was at this point that the mother became suspicious after noticing her daughter's breath smelled of whisky. She then alerted the police to the situation.

Following Barlow's arrest, he initially denied making any indecent suggestions or providing alcohol to the girls. However, he later admitted that there had been a sexual element involved in his behavior. During the court hearing, Barlow faced charges of indecency, which were later downgraded to harassment. He pleaded not guilty initially but was ultimately convicted of harassment after the prosecution presented evidence of his misconduct.

Judge David Hale addressed Barlow directly during sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. He stated, "Aged 26 at the time you were approaching girls you knew to be 13, offering them alcohol and making improper suggestions to them." The judge also warned Barlow that future offenses would result in imprisonment, underscoring the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to such behavior.

In sentencing, Barlow, who works as a porter on a part-time basis, received a community rehabilitation order and was ordered to pay £346 in costs. The judge explained that complications with a pre-sentence report prevented a recommendation for inclusion on the sex offenders register. The court's decision reflected the gravity of the misconduct but also considered Barlow's limited criminal record and the circumstances of the case.