BARRY DURHAM FROM BULWELL SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN THE 1970S

In a case that has spanned decades, Barry Durham, a 72-year-old man residing on Neston Drive in Bulwell, has been sentenced to a total of three years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl during the 1970s. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of his misconduct, which took place when the victim was under the age of 12.

On a recent Wednesday, Judge Sarah Buckingham delivered her verdict at Nottingham Crown Court, sentencing Durham to three years for one of the offences, which involved performing a sexual act on the girl. Additionally, he received a concurrent sentence of 12 months for a second offence. The judge emphasized that Durham would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and serve the rest of his sentence on licence after his release.

During her sentencing remarks, Judge Buckingham addressed Durham directly, noting his age and the gravity of his actions. “You are now aged 72 years old,” she stated. “You have been found guilty of two offences of indecent assault when she was a girl, no older than 11, and you a man in your thirties.” She described how Durham’s misconduct included acts where he would pretend not to notice her presence, exposing himself in a manner that was clearly intended to intimidate and exploit.

The judge recounted that Durham’s inappropriate behavior escalated to the two indecent assaults for which he was convicted, following a trial held earlier this year. She made it clear that such conduct could not be overlooked or dismissed simply because of his age or character, emphasizing that justice must be served regardless of the passage of time.

“Time does not wash away the offences you have committed and the impact of your offending on your victim, however good or exemplary your character may be,” she said. The court heard that Durham’s actions were carried out with a level of confidence, likely believing that the victim would never disclose what had happened. The impact of these crimes has had lasting effects on the victim’s life, with her suffering significant difficulties, which were detailed during the trial to illustrate the profound harm caused.

As Durham listened through a hearing loop in the dock, the seriousness of the court’s decision was made clear. The judge’s words underscored the importance of accountability and the enduring consequences of such heinous acts, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.