BRIGHOUSE MAN WAYNE BARKER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEEN BOY ON FACEBOOK IN BRADFORD

In a case that has once again highlighted the dangers of online grooming, Wayne Barker, a resident of Brighouse, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and illegal conduct with a teenage boy through social media.

The incident dates back to 2015 when Barker, then 26 years old, initiated contact with a 15-year-old boy via Facebook. The court was told that the communication quickly escalated from casual chatting to highly explicit sexual language, with Barker repeatedly expressing his desire to pursue a romantic relationship despite the significant age difference.

By June 2016, Barker and the teenager had arranged to meet in person. The court heard that Barker met the boy after the teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told him he would do anything in exchange for cigarettes. During this meeting at Barker’s home in Bramston Street, the teenager performed a sex act on Barker, which was part of the evidence presented during the trial.

Further meetings took place, during which Barker attempted to engage in sexual activity with the teenager again, offering tobacco as an incentive. The court was informed that Barker had no previous criminal record and that he expressed remorse for his actions. His legal representative, Barrister Julian Taylor, stated that Barker was very sorry for what he had done and for any harm caused to the teenage boy.

Despite this remorse, the court found Barker guilty of two charges related to paying a child for sexual services. He was acquitted on other allegations. Recorder Tom Little emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the element of grooming involved and the significant age disparity between Barker and his victim.

In delivering the sentence, the judge made it clear that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary, stating, “This offending, for the reasons I have said, is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.” The judge also pointed out that the sentence was too severe to be suspended, underscoring the gravity of the crime.

Addressing the broader implications, the judge warned about the dangers of the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, especially when used irresponsibly. He remarked, “You were 10 years older than the victim in this case. You should have known better and you should have kept your distance.”

As part of his sentence, Barker will be required to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life. Additionally, he will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which will monitor his activities following his release from prison, aiming to prevent any future offending.