BARRY EDWARDS FROM BERWICK SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS IN NEWCASTLE

In August 2017, Barry Edwards, a man from Berwick, was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for a disturbing series of sexual offenses committed against two young boys. The heinous acts took place over a period when the victims were between the ages of five and ten, leaving lasting trauma on their lives and deeply affecting their families.

During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Edwards initially denied all allegations, forcing one of the young victims to endure the additional ordeal of giving evidence against him. Before the second victim was called to testify, Edwards changed his plea to guilty, admitting to multiple charges including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and causing a child to participate in sexual acts.

The court heard harrowing details of Edwards' manipulative tactics. Referring to one of the victims, Judge Paul Sloan QC recounted, “You said if he touched you, you would give him some football cards. [The boy] said you forced him to touch you by taking hold of his hand. On another occasion, you said you would give him football cards, removed clothing, and sexually assaulted him even though he tried to resist. On yet another occasion, you carried out a sex attack and promised money so he could buy football cards.”

Judge Sloan further described the disturbing nature of the abuse, stating, “He pleaded with you to stop, but you continued. You told him what you were doing was to be kept secret and warned him not to tell anyone, saying you didn’t want to end up in prison.”

The court was informed that the victims suffered significant psychological harm, with both boys requiring counselling to cope with the trauma inflicted upon them. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Edwards’ actions, noting, “Your offending has caused irreparable damage and turned the lives of many people upside down. Your actions targeted vulnerable children because of their youth and susceptibility.”

Despite maintaining denials initially, Edwards eventually pleaded guilty after the trial had begun. The court highlighted that his targeting of young boys was driven by their vulnerability, and his actions have had a devastating effect on their lives.

In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, Edwards, who has no prior convictions, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. The court also acknowledged that Edwards has a borderline learning disability but was aware that his conduct was wrong.

Defence lawyer Lorraine Mustard stated, “He accepts he can’t be near children as he can’t trust himself about how he might act or react in their presence. He has converted to a new religion, which he claims might be a prohibiting factor. He was following another religion during these incidents.”