YORK SEX OFFENDER PHILIP BARGH SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ABDUCTION AND SEXUAL OFFENCES
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of York, Philip Bargh, a 28-year-old man formerly residing in York and now living in Stamford Bridge, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of kidnapping a nine-year-old girl at knifepoint.The incident took place in June of this year in the Tang Hall area of York, and the court heard harrowing details of the abduction that underscored the danger Bargh posed to the public, especially to young children.
According to court proceedings, Bargh spotted the young girl playing in a field off Melrosegate, a residential area in York.
Seizing the opportunity, he approached her and forcibly took her behind a row of nearby shops, where he led her into a secluded patch of wasteland.
It was here that he brandished a knife, pushed her into the long grass, and demanded she remove her underwear.
The girl complied out of fear, but her distress was evident as she repeatedly expressed her desire to return home to her parents.
Recognizing her plea, Bargh eventually released her without further harm, but the trauma inflicted was undeniable.
Judge Wolstenholme, presiding over the case at York Crown Court, made it clear that Bargh's actions demonstrated a significant threat to society.
He sentenced him to life imprisonment, emphasizing that Bargh would not be eligible for release until authorities determined he was no longer a danger to children or the public at large.
The judge stated, “As long as you are considered to be a danger to the public, you must remain in prison.
If and when you are released, you will remain on licence subject to conditions for the rest of your life.” Addressing Bargh’s criminal history, Judge Wolstenholme highlighted his previous convictions, including a four-year sentence for a similar offence involving the indecent assault of a young girl.
The judge pointed out that Bargh had been released early from that sentence but was later convicted of harassment, which involved following young girls with apparent sexual intent.
The judge expressed concern over Bargh’s pattern of behavior, stating, “It’s clear to me that you represent a very serious threat to the public, particularly young girls.” Prosecutor David Bradshaw provided further context, revealing that Bargh’s criminal record dates back to 1997 when he was just 19.
At that time, he was convicted of indecently assaulting a young girl in a toilet cubicle at a primary school in York.
The assault was interrupted when the school’s headmaster intervened, preventing any further harm.
Since then, Bargh has been convicted of multiple sex-related offences, including acts in public, following paper girls on their rounds, and taking photographs of them without consent.
Security footage from a nearby shop captured Bargh leading the young girl away during the incident, adding to the evidence against him.
The case has once again raised concerns about the safety of children in York and the importance of vigilant law enforcement to prevent such predatory behavior from recurring.
