OXFORD MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN WESTGATE CENTRE TOILETS
A man who pursued his victim into the women’s toilets at the Westgate Centre and then attempted to commit rape has been sentenced to prison.Earlier that day, the woman had rejected Ross Barrow’s advances in Bonn Square, clearly indicating she did not wish to be intimate after his inappropriate comments.
Later, she went to the top-floor toilets at the Westgate Centre on September 20 of the previous year, where he followed her inside.
Barrow entered a cubicle with her, blocking her exit by pressing his back against the door.
He then exposed himself and touched her inappropriately.
Although he was interrupted before he could carry out the assault, her cries were overheard by another woman in the toilets, who alerted security.
Barrow refused to comply during a stand-off but was eventually allowed to leave.
He was later found by police near a nearby bus stop in a disheveled state.
He was detained close to the shopping centre and initially claimed that the sexual acts had been consensual, as part of a prepared statement.
The woman described feeling emotionally scarred, stating she felt like “damaged goods” and that a part of herself was “lost,” which affected her social interactions and sense of independence.
Barrow, residing on Eastern Avenue in Littlemore, admitted to charges of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration after psychiatrist evaluations confirmed he was fit for trial.
Although he had previous convictions, none were for similar offences.
The court imposed a sentence of four years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Presiding judge Ian Pringle KC emphasized the gravity of the case because the offence occurred in women’s toilets, underscoring the severity of his misconduct.
