BARRY FISHER: NORTHERN IRELAND SEX OFFENDER AND SERIAL RAPIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In December 2012, the current whereabouts of Barry Fisher remain unknown. This article recalls events dating back to May 2009, when Fisher’s true criminal nature was unveiled.

Barry Fisher, now 54 and originally from Glengormley, was living in Portadown in 2009. He is a convicted sex offender with a disturbing criminal record that includes at least 20 rapes, 15 indecent assaults, and eight counts of gross indecency involving young girls. Despite these convictions, Fisher presented himself as a charming, romantic partner, deceiving many women he dated.

Last week, Fisher was warned he could face up to five years in prison if he continues to mislead women without disclosing his criminal past. His latest victim, known only as Mary to protect her identity, shared her harrowing experience. She explained how Fisher, after a brief introduction through a friend, courted her with flowers, chocolates, dinners at expensive restaurants, and stylish clothing, making her believe he was a respectful and generous man. “He acted like a real gentleman. When I was with him, I never wanted for anything,” Mary recounted.

Their relationship lasted approximately three months until September 20 of the previous year. On that night, near Fisher’s residence on Coolfin Street in south Belfast, Mary and Fisher were assaulted by a masked gang just yards from his home. Despite suffering broken ribs and a punctured lung from the attack, Fisher persisted in lying about his past to Mary. Even in the hospital, he continued to deny any wrongdoing and bizarrely asked her to marry him. “Because I just could not believe the things I was hearing about him, I told him, ‘Yes, I’ll marry you,’” Mary said. “But the next day, when it all sank in, I was utterly sickened and disgusted.”

Mary expressed her concern that Fisher’s motives may have included targeting her young nieces, aged two and five, as well as her 15-year-old son’s girlfriend, although no evidence suggests he harmed these children. She emotionally reflected, “I am glad I found out when I did. If he had harmed that child, I would have killed him—and then taken my own life.”

Last week, Mary was called to provide evidence as police sought to impose a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Fisher. She avoided testifying in court after Fisher agreed to adhere to the order, which stipulates that he must disclose any new relationships or employment to his risk manager beforehand. Nevertheless, Mary remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the SOPO, remarking, “If he did it to me, how many other women have fallen for his lies before? And how many more will there be after?” She urged women to stay away from him, warning, “Whatever woman he is with now, I would advise her to get away from him as fast as she can. And don’t believe a single word he tells you.”

Mary also voiced her shock at Fisher’s quick ability to form new relationships, describing how he was overheard on his mobile phone just before court, professing love to his new partner. Outside Craigavon Magistrates Court, Fisher appeared smug, wearing sunglasses pushed up on his head, just yards from where his former partner was waiting to testify.

Reflecting on her experience, Mary said, “I feel ill at the thought of even having to look at him. He’s supposed to tell any partner what he has done in his past, so they can decide whether they want to be with him. But I never got that chance. It took me a long time to trust a man again after my ex, and Fisher was the first in four years. Turns out, he was just targeting a vulnerable woman, with young girls around her house from time to time.”

She concluded with her deep concern for the victims and the justice system, stating, “I was physically sick at the thought of what he has done to children. I still have nightmares about my nieces and wonder what might have happened if we hadn’t found out what an animal he is. He’s free from jail now, but he should never have been released. People like him scar children for life and should spend the rest of their days behind bars.”