BARRIE STEWART FROM MACHEN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CORNWALL

In a case that has shocked the local communities, Barrie Stewart, a 42-year-old man from Machen, Caerphilly, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young children in Cornwall.

Stewart was convicted on six counts of indecency with a child, crimes that he committed while residing in Cornwall. The court also found him guilty of attempting to rape one child, raping three others, and committing an indecent assault. Despite these convictions, he was acquitted of two additional rape allegations brought against him at Truro Crown Court.

Throughout the trial, Stewart, who works as a building worker and fencer, maintained his innocence. He denied all allegations, asserting that they were malicious and unfounded. Stewart also revealed that he had been in care until the age of 16 and claimed to have been a victim of sexual abuse himself, suggesting that his troubled background might explain his actions.

However, the presiding judge, Christopher Elwen, was unequivocal in his assessment of Stewart’s character and the nature of the crimes. In his summing-up, Judge Elwen described Stewart as a “clever, bullying and controlling child abuser,” emphasizing the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct.

When delivering the sentence, Judge Elwen expressed his strong disapproval of Stewart’s actions, stating, “It is the prosecution’s case that he is a clever, bullying and controlling child abuser.” He further condemned the defendant’s behavior, noting that Stewart’s actions had caused the children involved to relive their traumatic experiences publicly. The judge remarked that such conduct was particularly reprehensible and that Stewart’s troubled background did not serve as an excuse for his crimes.

As part of his punishment, Stewart will serve a minimum of seven and a half years in prison. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure intended to protect the community and prevent further harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from abuse.