ROY BARTON FROM WEST YORKSHIRE SENT BACK TO PRISON AFTER REPEATED OFFENSES ENDANGERING WOMEN
In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in West Yorkshire, Roy Barton, a known sex offender, has once again found himself behind bars following a reckless and dangerous display of behavior just days after his release from prison.The incident, which took place in Dewsbury, has raised serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of monitoring offenders after their release.
On August 12, Barton had been out of incarceration for only three days when he was spotted in the early morning hours on Bright Street.
Despite being under a strict curfew that required him to remain within the confines of a hostel until 9am, Barton left his designated residence at 9.07am.
His actions that morning demonstrated a blatant disregard for the conditions imposed upon him and underscored his persistent pattern of offending.
While on the streets, Barton’s attention was drawn to a heavily pregnant woman walking to her place of employment.
Prosecutor Mark McKone told Leeds Crown Court that Barton proceeded to follow her in his vehicle, driving close enough to her to be clearly observed.
His behavior was intrusive and alarming, as he continued to watch her and even performed a U-turn to approach her again.
The woman described Barton as “smiling and staring intently” at her, a behavior that caused her significant distress.
She did not recognize him and was understandably frightened by his persistent following, which lasted between ten and fifteen minutes.
Her fear was compounded by the fact that she was pregnant, and she feared for her own safety as well as that of her unborn child.
The ordeal culminated when she reached her workplace, overwhelmed and in tears, prompting her to contact the police immediately.
Her distress highlighted the severity of Barton’s actions and the potential danger he posed to women in the community.
Further examination of Barton’s criminal history revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
He has previous convictions for harassment and indecent exposure.
Notably, in August 2012, he was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor, and breaching Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs).
During that incident, Barton attempted to lure the young girl into his car while she was walking home from school in Leeds, an act that could have had devastating consequences.
His criminal record also includes a February 2013 sentence of 16 months for breaching a SOPO, from which he was released earlier this summer.
His history of offending demonstrates a persistent inability to adhere to legal restrictions designed to prevent him from reoffending.
Representing Barton, solicitor Michael Miller acknowledged his client’s efforts to comply with certain courses and his behavior in prison.
However, he admitted that once released, Barton struggled to resist the temptation to revert to his previous patterns of offending.
Miller emphasized that Barton recognizes the gravity of his situation and has sought mental health support while incarcerated.
Despite these efforts, Barton, aged 35 and residing on Albion Street in Dewsbury, admitted to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by causing his victim to suffer alarm and distress.
The court sentenced him to 28 months in prison for this breach.
Judge Geoffrey Marson QC underscored the seriousness of the case, stating that a custodial sentence was unavoidable.
He pointed out that Barton’s recent actions, occurring just three days after his release, clearly demonstrated that he remains a significant danger to women.
The judge highlighted the fact that Barton followed the pregnant woman for a period of 12 to 15 minutes, emphasizing the persistent and predatory nature of his behavior.
In a related case from January 2016, Barton was convicted of attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old girl in Middleton.
During that incident, he grabbed her by the arm and tried to force her into his car as she screamed for help.
Fortunately, a passer-by intervened, and Barton sped away from the scene.
He later approached the girl again, prompting her to seek assistance from another member of the public, which led to police involvement.
At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Scott Wolstenholme sentenced Barton to five years in prison for the attempted kidnapping.
The judge expressed concern about what could have happened had Barton succeeded in his attempt, emphasizing the need for a substantial custodial sentence to protect the public from future harm.
Barton, then 30 and working as a self-employed barber, was also convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and breaching a SOPO multiple times on that day.
His repeated offenses included driving alongside women and attempting to solicit sex, behaviors that demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory conduct.
Throughout the proceedings, Barton’s solicitor acknowledged his client’s awareness of his problems and his willingness to work with authorities to address his issues.
Nonetheless, the court’s primary concern remained the safety of the community, leading to the severe sentences handed down in both cases, reflecting the serious threat Barton continues to pose to women in West Yorkshire.
