BARRY MOON FROM ILKESTON AND NUTHALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Ilkeston and Nuthall, Derby Crown Court has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Barry Moon, a music teacher with connections to both towns, for the sexual abuse of a young girl over two decades ago.

Barry Moon, now aged 65 and residing at Rowan Court in Nuthall, Nottinghamshire, was a music instructor at a school in Ilkeston and also provided private lessons to students outside of school hours. His past actions, however, have now come to light, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on his victim.

The court was informed that the victim, who was only 12 years old at the time, decided to come forward many years after the incident. Her decision was prompted by her reading about Moon’s appearance in court in 2007, where he faced charges related to other girls. This revelation prompted her to finally speak out about her own traumatic experience.

Judge John Burgess addressed Moon directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. He stated, “She was a vulnerable 12-year-old. She did not feel special. You, I judge, singled her out for precisely that reason and made her feel special. You manipulated the situation, abused your position of trust, taking her to your bed and having sexual intercourse. That has had a significant effect on her life. She describes it as having cast a shadow over her adult life.”

Moon pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, acknowledging his guilt in court. The prosecution, led by Clive Stockwell, detailed the circumstances of the abuse, revealing that Moon had arranged a shopping trip with the girl, who had her parents’ permission based on their trust in him. After the outing, Moon took her back to his house, where he engaged in full sexual intercourse with her in his bedroom.

According to the court records, the girl was in a state of shock during the assault, feeling numb and overwhelmed. She later described her experience as “just letting it happen,” with no resistance or attempt to stop him. She had viewed Moon as a father figure, which compounded the betrayal she felt.

Following the assault, the girl attempted to cope with her trauma by taking an overdose of tablets, which led to her being treated at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. She has since undergone counseling to help her recover from the emotional scars inflicted by Moon’s actions.

The victim’s decision to come forward was influenced by her reading about Moon’s previous court appearance in 2007, where he was convicted of multiple offenses, including sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, making indecent photographs of children, and possessing such photographs. He was sentenced to probation for three years and ordered to attend a course aimed at curbing his offending behavior.

In mitigation, Moon’s legal representative, Sonal Ahya, argued that his admission of guilt in the current case spared the victim from having to testify in court. She also noted that Moon’s appearance in a wheelchair, which he maintained during the proceedings, would make his incarceration more challenging for him. The court was told that this physical condition was consistent with his appearance two years prior.

As part of his sentence, Moon was placed on the sex offenders register for life and was permanently barred from working with children. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting harm caused to his young victim, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and protection for vulnerable children in the community.