TERENCE BARCLAY FROM WICKFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AT SOUTHEND CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wickford, Terence Barclay, aged 49, has been sentenced to prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. Barclay, who resides on Bromfords Drive in Wickford, was found guilty of abusing a young girl and later assaulting an older girl while he was on bail for previous charges.

The court proceedings revealed that Barclay had engaged in sexual misconduct against a girl under the age of 13, with the incidents occurring on Easter Sunday of the previous year. The young victim confided in her mother that she was unable to speak about what had happened, indicating the trauma she endured. The court was informed that Barclay had performed an indecent act on this girl during the Easter holiday, a revelation that added to the gravity of his offenses.

Following his arrest, Barclay admitted to police that he had committed a similar assault against the same girl earlier in the year, between January 1 and April 8. This admission underscored a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several months. Despite being on bail for these offenses, Barclay did not cease his criminal activities. On September 26, while still under bail conditions, he carried out a further assault lasting approximately 30 minutes on an older girl, adding to the list of his offenses.

The court heard that Barclay, who is employed at Tesco, had been battling increasing sexual urges towards children over the past three years. In an effort to control these impulses, he sought medical help from his general practitioner. During this consultation, he disclosed details of his attack on the young girl and was subsequently referred to specialized medical teams for treatment. Despite these efforts, his actions continued, causing significant distress to his victims, who are now struggling to come to terms with the trauma inflicted upon them.

Deputy Circuit Judge Gareth Davies sentenced Barclay to a total of five years in prison. He received an 18-month sentence for the two counts of sexual touching and a three-and-a-half-year sentence for the assault by penetration, with the sentences to run consecutively. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Barclay’s actions, stating, “You took your opportunity when it presented itself. You have sought some help between the offenses, but I have to consider the seriousness of what happened.”

Furthermore, Barclay will be placed on the sex offenders’ register and is banned from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the court’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm in the future.