RONALD BARNBROOK FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY IN TEESSIDE
In December 2017, Ronald Barnbrook, a 66-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious offenses involving a teenage girl and inappropriate conduct towards children during his holiday.The case, which drew significant concern from the judiciary, highlighted Barnbrook's disturbing behavior and the profound impact it had on his victims.
Barnbrook's criminal activities included photographing children in bikinis while on holiday, an act that was deemed highly inappropriate and invasive.
Additionally, he was found to have filmed up a girl’s skirt, an act that further demonstrated his troubling interest in young girls.
These actions were part of a broader pattern of misconduct that led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
The case was scheduled to be tried at Teesside Crown Court, but Barnbrook's mental health issues intervened when he attempted to take his own life, causing a delay of several weeks in the proceedings.
His teenage victim was described by her mother as being "left dangling by a thread" before Barnbrook ultimately pleaded guilty at the last possible moment, avoiding a full trial.
In a heartfelt impact statement read aloud in court, the victim’s mother detailed the devastating effects Barnbrook’s actions had on her daughter.
She explained that her daughter’s school attendance had halved during a critical exam year, yet she managed to succeed academically.
However, the emotional toll was severe; the girl began to self-harm, spent long hours alone in her bedroom, and showed signs of depression and withdrawal.
Her health declined significantly, with her mother describing her as being so unwell that she would often say she hurt everywhere and sometimes could not get out of bed.
The mother expressed her anguish, stating, "It is devastating.
She used to be so confident, but now struggles to make decisions for herself, and comes to me for help.
Her indecisiveness upsets her.
We both just want to draw a line under this and hopefully we can after this hearing.
My daughter is not the same girl.
It’s heartbreaking." She also shared her fears about her daughter’s dreams of being chased by Barnbrook, illustrating the lasting trauma inflicted by his actions.
Barnbrook, who resides at Bank Sands, Acklam, Middlesbrough, admitted to four counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism during an earlier hearing.
The judge, Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, expressed concern over Barnbrook’s denial of any sexual interest in children, despite the evidence presented.
The judge stated, "Having seen the evidence, I cannot and do not accept that.
The fact you cannot accept your interest in pre-pubescent girls is of concern." Judge Bourne-Arton emphasized the seriousness of Barnbrook’s conduct and the importance of acknowledging the nature of his offenses, which have caused lasting harm to his victims and raised significant alarm within the community of Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area.
