BARRY PROCTOR OF GREAT SUTTON JAILED FOR 14 YEARS FOR SERIES OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In February 2008, Barry Proctor, a child sex offender originally from Birkenhead and residing at Sutton Way, Great Sutton, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences against children. Proctor, 61 years old, was convicted on 17 of 26 charges following a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court in December. The jury swiftly deliberated, taking just over a day to find Proctor guilty of three rape offences and six gross indecency offences against a child. The offences spanned a period of 15 years, and one of the victims was as young as five.

Proctor, who will be required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register upon release, also faced and was convicted of three indecent assaults on a male and five on a female. He was acquitted by the jury on one rape allegation and one indecent assault involving a female. Seven charges, including five rape offences, one indecent assault on a female, and a serious sexual offence against a young man, did not result in a verdict.

Defense attorney Marc Le Brocq commented, "There is very little I can say other than this defendant faced a number of rape allegations and has been found guilty on only one of the five victims. He’s going to receive a substantial sentence, but at 61, it’s clear that this will weigh heavily on him." Mr. Brocq added that Proctor had fallen from the top bunk in prison, injuring himself so badly that he will require a hip replacement.

Judge David Hale sentenced Proctor to 14 years, indicating that he might be eligible for parole after serving half or two-thirds of the term. The judge remarked, "The abuse occurred from the late 1970s until the early 1990s, but there are no allegations of any offences since 1993. Over approximately 15 years, you indecently assaulted children for your own gratification. Despite being 61 and in declining health, the court must take a serious view and hand down a severe punishment. You will also be required to sign onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for life when released, and you are permanently banned from working with children."

Following the sentencing, DC Brendan Crilley of Cheshire Constabulary’s Western Area Public Protection Unit stated, "This has been a particularly traumatic case for those involved, and I want to commend the witnesses who displayed remarkable courage in reliving their horrific experiences. The investigation and subsequent case against Proctor would not have been successful without their honesty and bravery. I thank the victims for coming forward, which has led to this conviction. Hopefully, this case will help them find some closure and prevent other children from falling victim to this man’s evil actions."

Detective Constable Crilley also added, "The bravery shown by the victims may encourage others who have been similarly abused to contact Cheshire Police. Our Public Protection Unit comprises dedicated and sensitive officers experienced in handling these difficult cases."

Police advise that victims of similar crimes can contact Cheshire Police at 0845 458 0000 or make anonymous reports through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.