BARRY POMFRETT FROM STOCKTON HEATH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN WARRINGTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Barry Pomfrett, a 56-year-old resident of Stockton Heath, has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in Warrington, where Pomfrett’s actions have now led to a conviction on four counts of sexual activity with a minor.

According to court proceedings, Pomfrett, who lived on Mill Lane in Stockton Heath, initially befriended his young victim at a local pub. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, would often visit the pub after school to say hello to her father. During these visits, Pomfrett, who was a member of a music group performing at the pub, became acquainted with her. The court was told that Pomfrett was fully aware of her age when they first met in the summer of 2007, yet he continued to pursue a relationship that quickly became inappropriate.

Evidence presented in court detailed how Pomfrett’s conduct towards the girl became increasingly inappropriate over time. He was accused of giving her hugs and kisses, including one instance where he kissed her with tongues, which was described as a full, intimate kiss. The relationship then escalated further, with Pomfrett calling the girl up to three times daily and taking her out in his car to secluded locations. The prosecution’s case highlighted that Pomfrett’s actions made the girl feel “quite scared,” especially when he touched her breast with the car doors locked, an incident that was described as particularly distressing.

Prosecutor Matthew Dunford explained that Pomfrett had signed the sex offenders register for life and that he had touched the girl in a sexual manner on ten separate occasions. One of these incidents was characterized as being of a very serious nature. The abuse continued until the girl, feeling overwhelmed and frightened, told Pomfrett to stop pursuing her, which he eventually did. The court heard that the relationship was built on manipulation and exploitation, with Pomfrett taking advantage of the girl’s trust.

Pomfrett was arrested in February 2008 after the girl confided in staff at her school about the inappropriate relationship. Initially, he denied all charges and failed to appear at his trial. During his arrest, police informed him that they possessed a recording of a telephone conversation between himself and the victim. Pomfrett denied that such a call had taken place, but the evidence proved otherwise. In the recorded call, Pomfrett can be heard apologizing to the girl, saying, “I’m sorry I touched you down there.”

Ultimately, Pomfrett pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity. His defense lawyer, Simon Berkson, expressed that his client felt “abhorrence” towards himself and was genuinely sorry for his actions. The defense also argued that feelings of shame and embarrassment contributed to Pomfrett’s decision to flee from his initial trial.

However, Judge Thomas Teague emphasized that Pomfrett’s attempt to evade justice only added to the victim’s suffering. During sentencing, the judge stated, “Over some months you built up a friendship with her that was clearly not appropriate as there was a considerable age gap. You then exploited that relationship.” The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved in this case, which has left a lasting impact on the young victim and the community of Warrington.