DEVON'S STEVEN BARRATT SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENSES IN EXETER

In a high-profile case that has shocked the community of Exeter and the surrounding areas, Steven Barratt, a former military policeman from Newton Abbot in Devon, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous sexual crimes involving a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of offenses, including rape, attempted rape, gross indecency, seven counts of indecent assault, and a sexual assault, all committed by Barratt, who was 38 years old at the time of sentencing.

One of the most notable aspects of this case is the court's order requiring Barratt to disclose his sexual convictions to the parents of any children he encounters in the future. This measure is believed to be unprecedented in the UK, with authorities and campaigners considering it a significant step towards protecting children from known sex offenders. The order was issued by Judge Miranda Robertshaw at Exeter Crown Court and is reminiscent of the proposed legislation known as Sarah’s Law, named after eight-year-old Sarah Payne, who was tragically murdered six years prior by paedophile Roy Whiting. The law aims to give parents access to information about convicted sex offenders living in their neighborhoods.

In addition to the disclosure requirement, the court imposed strict restrictions on Barratt’s movements and interactions. He is prohibited from approaching within 10 meters of any school and is barred from engaging with community or youth groups, further limiting his contact with vulnerable populations.

The court heard harrowing details of how Barratt exploited his position in the military police to threaten the young victim. During the trial, it was revealed that Barratt used intimidation tactics, warning her that she would face imprisonment if she disclosed what had happened. The assault occurred during a game of hide and seek, when Barratt found the girl hiding in one of the bedrooms. He then proceeded to assault her on a bed, an act the victim described in court with evident distress.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Barratt maintained his innocence, claiming he had never touched the girl inappropriately. The court was also informed that Barratt would be under supervision following his release, managed by multiple agencies including police, probation, social services, and prison authorities under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement (MAPPA). This system is designed to monitor and manage the most dangerous offenders, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to the community again.

The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety of children and the adequacy of existing laws to protect them from known offenders. The community and advocacy groups continue to call for stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, emphasizing the importance of transparency and vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable populations.