BARRY HARDERN OF COLWYN BAY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER FLAGRANTLY VIOLATING SEXUAL HARM ORDER IN LLANDUDNO NIGHTCLUB

In a case that has once again brought attention to the ongoing issues of sexual misconduct and legal compliance, Barry Sheridan Hardern, a 47-year-old resident of Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay, found himself in trouble for breaching a court-imposed order designed to protect his victim. Despite a history of sexual offenses, Hardern was spared a custodial sentence after an incident that occurred in a nightclub located in Llandudno, a popular seaside town in North Wales.

Hardern’s criminal history is extensive. In April 2012, he was convicted by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The court sentenced him to four years in prison for that offense. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which was intended to prohibit him from making any contact or approaching the victim indefinitely. This order was meant to serve as a safeguard to prevent further harm and to ensure the victim’s safety.

However, in September of the following year, Hardern was involved in an incident that raised serious concerns about his adherence to the court’s directives. According to the prosecution, he encountered his victim, who is now an adult, at a nightclub in Llandudno. During this encounter, Hardern approached the man and engaged in inappropriate behavior. Prosecutor John Philpotts stated that Hardern not only spoke with the victim but also made an “affectionate remark” and went further to stroke the man’s cheek.

Witnesses and security staff at the nightclub observed the interaction, which escalated into a minor disorderly incident. As a result, Hardern was ejected from the premises. The incident was reported to authorities, and Hardern was subsequently charged with breaching the sexual harm prevention order and assault. During the court proceedings, Hardern initially claimed that the victim had approached him in the nightclub, attempting to deny any wrongdoing. However, he later admitted to breaching the court order and to the assault.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC presided over the case at Caernarfon Crown Court. In his sentencing remarks, the judge acknowledged the seriousness of the breach but decided against imposing a jail term. Instead, Hardern was sentenced to a two-year community order, which requires him to undertake two courses organized by the Probation Service. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in monitoring individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially when they violate court orders designed to protect victims. The incident in Llandudno serves as a reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of such orders and the need for continued vigilance to prevent further harm from offenders like Barry Hardern, whose past convictions date back to 1989 and include a previous four-year jail sentence for similar offenses in 2012.