STUART BARRATT AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN WALSALL AND BUILTH WELLS
A man named Stuart Barratt, aged 32, has been convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl in a series of disturbing incidents that took place in Walsall and Builth Wells.The case was brought before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where the details of the offenses and the defendant’s background were thoroughly examined.
The investigation revealed that Barratt and the young girl initially connected through social media platforms, including Snapchat.
During their online interactions, Barratt expressed admiration for her appearance, notably commenting that she looked "fit" after she sent him a photograph of herself wearing a bra.
Despite her refusal, he later arranged to meet her in person.
The girl, who was only 14 at the time, went out for a night in Builth Wells with older friends.
During this outing, she consumed alcohol, including peach schnapps and Strongbow cider, which left her heavily intoxicated—she rated her level of drunkenness as "eight out of ten." After being refused entry to a local bar and losing her friends in the process, she wandered through the town alone.
It was during this vulnerable moment that Barratt approached her.
He sat down beside her, kissed her, and shortly thereafter, she experienced a blackout.
When she regained consciousness, she found herself lying on the ground, with her trousers pulled down to her ankles and her clothes and underwear pushed aside.
Barratt then proceeded to sexually assault her by penetrating her with his penis, an act she described as painful.
Following this traumatic incident, the victim reported feeling pressured to maintain contact with Barratt.
Prosecutor Ffion Tomos explained that Barratt was manipulative, threatening to tell her family and friends if she tried to end their communication.
He told her that she would lose her loved ones and be hated by everyone if she cut ties with him.
The court heard that Barratt and the girl engaged in sexual intercourse on two additional occasions, both in a field.
During these encounters, he did not use any form of protection.
The girl eventually reported the incidents to the police, leading to Barratt’s surrender.
However, during police interviews, he chose to answer "no comment" to all questions.
Barratt, who now resides on Fourth Avenue in Brownhills, Walsall, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.
Although he was described as being of previously good character, the court noted he had a prior conditional discharge for criminal damage.
In his defense, Marian Lewis, representing Barratt, stated that her client was going through a difficult period at the time of the offenses.
She explained that he was suffering from depression, was in debt, and unhappy with his job.
She also mentioned that Barratt found the girl’s appearance and personality attractive and emphasized that his interest was not solely sexual.
The barrister added that Barratt believed the girl appeared and behaved older than her actual age.
The sentencing judge, Recorder Dyfed Thomas, was clear in his remarks.
He emphasized that Barratt, as an adult, exploited a minor for sexual purposes.
The judge dismissed any consideration of the girl’s behavior or appearance as a factor in the case, reaffirming that the law is designed to protect children regardless of how they act.
Barratt was sentenced to 32 months in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to comply with sex offender notification requirements, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order that will remain in effect for 15 years, ensuring long-term restrictions and monitoring.
