RICHARD BARKER FROM BRADFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN BRADFORD

A man residing in Bradford has been formally sentenced after being found guilty of committing multiple serious child sexual offences. Richard Barker, aged 56 and living on Keighley Road in Bradford, faced a series of charges that spanned several years of disturbing conduct. The charges included six counts of possessing indecent images of a child, three counts of engaging in sexual communications with a minor, and two counts of inciting or causing a child aged between 13 and 15 to participate in sexual activities.

These offences came to light after Barker was brought before Bradford Crown Court on June 9, 2023. During the hearing, he pleaded guilty to all eleven charges, which detailed his interactions with two children through online gaming platforms. The investigation revealed that Barker had developed inappropriate and sexualized communications with these minors, encouraging them to send indecent images and engaging in conversations that crossed legal boundaries.

Following his guilty plea, the court scheduled a sentencing hearing. However, the process was delayed due to additional disclosures that emerged during the investigation. In July 2024, Barker was re-arrested and charged with further serious offences, including two counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape. Barker maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to these new charges. The case proceeded to trial at Bradford Crown Court on November 4, where the jury found Barker guilty of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape. He was acquitted of the remaining charges related to the indecent images and online communications.

On March 31, at Bradford Crown Court, the judge sentenced Barker to a lengthy term of 17 years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, Barker was given a four-year extended license period, which requires ongoing supervision after his release. The court also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his contact with minors and monitoring his activities. Furthermore, Barker was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring continuous oversight of his whereabouts and conduct.

Detective Constable Donna Stokes, a representative of the Bradford Safeguarding Team, issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of the case. She described Barker as a predatory individual who deliberately targeted vulnerable children to satisfy his own sexual desires. The investigation, which spanned several years and was hampered by delays caused by the Covid pandemic, was ultimately successful in bringing Barker to justice. Detective Stokes expressed her appreciation for the bravery of the victims who reported their abuse, acknowledging that their courage was instrumental in securing the conviction.

She concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Bradford Safeguarding Team to thoroughly investigate all reports of sexual offences, ensuring that offenders are held accountable and that vulnerable children are protected from harm.