MIROSLAVA BELAKOVA AND CRAIG FEARN FROM BARNSEY AND NORMANTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND IMAGE DISTRIBUTION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Barnsley and Normanton, two individuals have been brought to justice for heinous crimes involving the abuse and exploitation of children. Miroslava Belakova, a 37-year-old woman residing on Greenfoot Lane in Barnsley, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after a thorough investigation uncovered her involvement in the sexual abuse of minors under the age of 13, as well as the distribution of graphic images depicting these horrific acts.

Her arrest and subsequent court appearance at Sheffield Crown Court revealed the extent of her crimes. Authorities found indecent images of children on her mobile device, which played a significant role in her conviction. Belakova pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13, making indecent images of children, and distributing such images. Her sentencing on June 21 marked a significant step in addressing this grave offense.

The case also implicated Craig Fearn, a man from Wakefield Road in Normanton, who was initially detained during a police investigation into drug-related activities. However, during the course of the inquiry, law enforcement officials uncovered disturbing evidence linking Fearn to child exploitation crimes. Fearn, aged and residing in Normanton, admitted to possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply and carrying a prohibited weapon, specifically CS gas. His criminal record was further expanded when he pleaded guilty to charges including arranging or facilitating a child sexual offense, possessing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornography.

Fearn’s arrest was initially based on suspicion of drug offenses, but the discovery of indecent images on his devices led to additional charges. An extensive forensic analysis revealed that Fearn’s devices contained over 400 images classified as Category A and B—categories denoting the most severe forms of child abuse imagery—along with more than 1,000 images in Category C. The investigation also uncovered that Fearn was in possession of extreme pornography, further highlighting the severity of his crimes.

The investigation eventually connected Fearn to Belakova, revealing a disturbing network of exploitation. Both individuals are now serving their sentences, with Fearn receiving a 49-month term. Upon release, they will each serve an additional three years on license, and both have been subjected to indefinite sexual harm prevention orders to protect the public from further harm. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in South Yorkshire to combat child exploitation and bring offenders to justice, ensuring that victims receive the justice and support they deserve.