WILLIAM BARR CAUGHT IN RENFREW AND BLACKPOOL SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL

In December 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving William Barr, a 61-year-old man from Renfrew, who was caught attempting to engage in sexual communication with an undercover police officer he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The incident unfolded when Barr initiated a conversation via the Kik messenger app, under the false impression that he was speaking to a teenage girl named Mollie Reynolds.

According to court proceedings at Paisley Sheriff Court, Barr’s online interactions revealed a disturbing pattern of indecent behavior. He used the social media platform to contact the decoy, who was posing as a fictional 13-year-old girl living in Oxford. During their exchanges, Barr made explicit suggestions, urging her to send photographs of her cleavage and expressing his arousal from their conversations.

Prosecutor David McDonald detailed that Barr claimed to be only 19 years old during the chat, despite his actual age. The conversation quickly turned sexualized after they exchanged details about their age, sex, and location, known as ASL details. Barr expressed a desire to send a photo but claimed he could not do so, citing potential trouble. He then inquired about whether she had a boyfriend, further escalating the inappropriate nature of their dialogue.

The court heard that Barr’s requests became increasingly explicit. He pleaded with the decoy to send more images, including selfies, and expressed a desire to be physically with her. His messages included statements like “I would like to be with you now,” and descriptions of kissing and touching her, such as “start to kiss you on your lips,” and “slowly run my hands over your sexy legs.” Barr also spoke about undressing her to her underwear and caressing her curves, revealing his intent to engage in sexual acts.

Further exchanges involved Barr admitting to becoming aroused and asking her to watch him perform a sex act. He also requested photographs of her body, including her cleavage, to be sent to him. These actions demonstrated a clear intent to exploit the decoy for sexual gratification.

The police investigation led to Barr’s arrest on March 3 of the following year. Officers attended his residence, where they were granted entry by his wife. During the search, various electronic devices were seized. When informed of his arrest, Barr reportedly responded with the words, “I am bamboozled.”

At the court hearing, Barr pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate indecently with a person he believed to be a child of 13, with the intent to obtain sexual gratification or cause humiliation or distress. The incident took place between November 21 and 23 at a house in Renfrew.

Judge Sheriff Tom McCartney deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of background reports and ordered Barr to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Barr, who has since been expelled from his marital home and is currently residing in Blackpool, Lancashire, will learn his fate on December 23. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.