SWALESE PAEDOPHILE PETER BARNARD SENTENCED TO SIX AND A HALF YEARS FOR SEXUAL ATTACK ON SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWANSEA
In April 2014, a distressing case emerged from Swansea involving a young girl who was subjected to a disturbing sexual assault by a man named Peter Barnard.The victim, a six-year-old girl, has been left profoundly traumatized, living in constant fear following the horrifying incident.
According to reports, the girl confided in her mother about what had happened to her last year, revealing details of the assault committed by Barnard.
The child's mother recounted the emotional toll this has taken on her daughter during a powerful statement delivered at Swansea Crown Court.
She described her once cheerful and lively child as now being clingy, anxious, and visibly frightened.
To reassure her, the school had shown her CCTV footage, attempting to provide some sense of safety.
Despite these efforts, the mother explained that her daughter’s anxiety persisted, especially when her parents had to take her to the police station to confirm that Barnard was still in custody.
Barnard, aged 30 and residing on Hafod Street in Swansea, was responsible for attacking the girl on two separate occasions.
A statement read by prosecuting barrister Janet Gedrych detailed the impact of the assault on the young girl.
Her mother expressed her concern, stating, “She has changed.
She has become increasingly paranoid in case anybody looks at her.” The mother further described her daughter’s reactions, noting that if she saw a man in the street, “there’s a look of horror on her face.” She added that the incident is constantly on her mind, affecting her daughter’s daily life, including her hobbies and schoolwork.
The mother also revealed that her daughter had stopped sleeping and eating properly, often breaking down into tears.
“My daughter is six years old, she shouldn’t be behaving like this, she shouldn’t have to be living like this.
She is innocent and is living in fear,” she lamented.
During the court proceedings, Frank Phillips, representing Barnard, acknowledged his client’s guilt.
He stated that Barnard’s guilty pleas to two charges of sexual assault meant the young girl did not have to testify in court, which was a relief.
Phillips emphasized that Barnard’s time in prison would be significant and that the sentence would be substantial, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes.
Judge Paul Thomas sentenced Peter Barnard to six and a half years in prison.
Addressing Barnard directly, the judge remarked, “I have no way of knowing if she will recover to how she was before,” underscoring the long-lasting impact of the assault on the young girl’s life.
The sentence reflects the gravity of the offense and the court’s recognition of the profound harm inflicted upon the innocent victim in Swansea.
