ANDREW BARLOW'S CRIMES IN ST LEONARDS AND BEXHILL REVEALED

In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Barlow, a 48-year-old restaurant worker from St Leonards, was sentenced to a total of ten months in prison following his conviction on serious sexual offences and witness intimidation charges. The incident took place in Bexhill, specifically in the public toilets at Little Common, where Barlow engaged in disturbing grooming behavior directed at a young girl.

Barlow was found guilty after a two-week trial at Hove Crown Court on Monday, May 14. The court heard that he had incited a girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time, to commit acts of gross indecency. Additionally, he was convicted of intimidating a witness involved in the case. The sentencing reflected the gravity of his actions, with Barlow receiving a three-month prison sentence for the gross indecency offences. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years.

In a separate but related sentence, Barlow was given an additional seven months imprisonment, to be served consecutively, for perverting the course of justice through witness intimidation. This aspect of his sentencing underscores the attempt to obstruct justice during the investigation. The court also imposed an indefinite Restraining Order, which prohibits Barlow from making any contact with his victim, aiming to protect her from further harm.

The investigation into Barlow’s conduct was initiated after he approached police himself, raising concerns that malicious individuals were spreading false accusations about him being a sex offender. This self-reporting did not prevent the court from recognizing the serious nature of his actions in the case.

The offences involving the young girl occurred in a public setting, specifically in the toilets at Little Common, Bexhill. The court heard that Barlow, who was in a position of trust as her employer, subjected her to grooming and predatory behavior. The girl, who was only 14 years old at the time, was subjected to inappropriate sexual conversations and suggestions. The situation escalated when Barlow took her to the public toilets and instructed her to remove her top clothing, then asked her to put on his jacket.

He further demanded that she prove she was not wearing her top by unzipping the jacket and showing him. Although she initially refused, Barlow insisted that it was necessary for her to comply, claiming it was to build trust. His manipulative tactics aimed to exploit her vulnerability and maintain control over her.

The court also heard that Barlow threatened the father of a witness involved in the case during the investigation, adding a layer of intimidation and coercion to his criminal behavior. The sentencing and the imposed restraining order serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such predatory actions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in the community.