CRANBROOK MAN ROBERT BARDENN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In August 2018, a disturbing case involving a man from Cranbrook came to light, revealing serious allegations of sexual misconduct against a young girl. The individual, identified as Robert Barnden, was at the center of a court case that uncovered troubling details about his actions and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Initially, Barnden, who resides on Kirby Close in Cranbrook, denied the allegations of sexual abuse. He claimed that his interactions with the young girl were limited to kissing her on the lips and using his tongue, insisting that there was no further misconduct. Despite his denial, evidence against him was substantial, including a recorded confession where he admitted to the abuse and expressed remorse. This recording was made on a mobile phone and later used as key evidence in the case.

The case was scheduled for trial, with the victim expected to give her testimony via television link due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings. However, before the trial commenced, Barnden entered guilty pleas to seven counts of indecent assault. The charges detailed a pattern of inappropriate behavior, starting with him kissing the girl on the lips and escalating to forcing her to perform sexual acts. Additionally, he was accused of touching her breasts over and under her clothing, further violating her trust and personal boundaries.

The victim, who was a minor at the time of the abuse, kept her suffering largely to herself during her childhood. It was only when she was a student that she confided in a friend, but the full extent of the abuse did not come to light until 2013, when she finally disclosed the matter to her mother. The emotional and psychological toll of the abuse was evident, and her suffering was compounded by the fact that she had kept silent for years.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Philip Statman acknowledged the profound impact the abuse had on the victim’s life. He noted that her ability to trust men had been significantly affected and that she carried feelings of guilt for not reporting the abuse earlier. The judge emphasized that the victim’s suffering was not her fault and expressed hope that she would find some solace in the court’s recognition of her pain.

In sentencing, Barnden was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. His name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for ten years, which prohibits him from working with children and vulnerable adults. The court also recommended that he attend a specialized sex offender treatment program to address his behavior and prevent future offenses.