BRIDLINGTON MAN STEVEN BARRASS CAUGHT IN ONLINE CHILD SEX PREDATOR PLOT NEAR HULL
In March 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Steven Barrass, a 39-year-old man from Bridlington, who was caught attempting to engage in illegal sexual communication with a child online.The incident was part of a covert police operation aimed at tackling online child sexual exploitation, and it highlights the ongoing dangers posed by internet predators.
Investigators, operating undercover, created a fake profile under the pseudonym 'Maddie'—a 12-year-old girl—on the chat platform Kik.
Barrass initiated contact with this fictitious profile, engaging in conversations that quickly turned inappropriate.
During their exchanges, Barrass asked if Maddie was a virgin and expressed a desire to meet for sexual purposes, explicitly asking if she wanted to meet for fun.
The police had set up this sting to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit minors online.
According to court reports, Barrass also inquired about Maddie’s sexual experience, mentioning that he had previously been with a girl as young as 14.
The conversation escalated as Barrass sent a graphic photo of his erect penis and requested a similar explicit image from Maddie.
He also discussed potential meeting locations, suggesting a nearby McDonald's in Hull and a more secluded spot near an ice rink’s car park, citing privacy concerns.
During the chat, he asked Maddie if she had condoms, further demonstrating his intent.
Despite the detailed planning, Barrass suddenly experienced a change of heart.
He told Maddie to delete his number and accused her of needing her head testing, effectively withdrawing from the planned meeting.
When approached by police officers, Barrass admitted to knowing the nature of the investigation, stating, “I know what this is about.
It’s about Kik.
I have had this before.
It is a bad site.” He appeared before Hull Crown Court on Friday, March 13, where he faced sentencing for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
Prosecutor Richard Thompson outlined the details of the case, emphasizing Barrass’s inappropriate conduct and the serious nature of his actions.
In sentencing, Judge David Tremberg acknowledged that if Barrass had gone through with his plans and engaged in sexual activity with a real 12-year-old girl, he would have faced many years in prison.
The judge described Barrass as a lonely, isolated individual with low self-esteem, special educational needs, and mental health struggles.
The court noted that Barrass had retreated into a fantasy world, seeking sexual gratification through online interactions with minors.
While Barrass’s intentions were clear, he ultimately backed out before any physical meeting took place.
As a result, he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.
The judge emphasized the gravity of such offenses and the potential harm involved, warning that if Barrass had proceeded further, the consequences would have been severe.
Additionally, Barrass was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years and ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation, especially in areas like Bridlington and Hull, where such predators may attempt to operate under the radar.
