BARRY ROCK FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS DECADES AGO

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Barry Rock, a 75-year-old retired bus driver from Middlesbrough, has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of two young girls during the 1970s. The conviction follows a recent revelation when one of the victims recognized him as he entered the shop where she was employed, prompting her to finally come forward and report the abuse to authorities.

Rock was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against the two girls, who were underage at the time of the incidents. The court heard that these assaults left deep psychological scars, affecting their lives well into adulthood. The sentencing took place at Teesside Crown Court, where emotional testimonies from the victims painted a stark picture of the long-lasting impact of Rock’s actions.

The first victim, who was working in a shop last year, recounted how she encountered Rock on four consecutive days. The shock of seeing him again after so many years was overwhelming, leading her to seek medical advice. She explained in her statement that she blamed him for the breakdown of her marriage and that her life had been profoundly disrupted by his depravity. She revealed that she had never been able to lead a normal life, suffering panic attacks and emotional distress. It was only last year that she confided in her mother about her ordeal, a step that took years of internal struggle.

Prosecutor Harry Hadfield detailed her emotional turmoil, stating, “She plucked up the courage, despite years of turmoil, to tell the police.” Her statement described how reporting Rock’s abuse was a harrowing experience, causing her difficulty sleeping and requiring medical treatment. She expressed that she believed she would never fully recover from the trauma.

The second victim also provided a statement, revealing her ongoing struggle to come to terms with what happened. She described feelings of anger and emotional difficulty, which affected her relationships with her husband and others close to her. Her inability to process the abuse left her with lasting emotional scars.

During the hearing, Rock’s defense attorney, Robert Mochrie, argued that his client had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which he claimed made it difficult for Rock to remember the details of the incidents to which he had pleaded guilty. Mochrie emphasized that Rock was a man of previously good character, now 75, and noted that the police investigation was thorough, with no evidence suggesting additional victims.

However, the judge, Recorder Julian Goose QC, emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “These offences have been identified as carrying a significant number of aggravating features. The long-term effect of what you did to those girls, now women, is plain from their statements.”

As part of his sentence, Rock was ordered to serve four-and-a-half years in prison. He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life, prohibited from working with children, and subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that restricts his contact with minors. Rock’s address was noted as Barrington Crescent, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, where he resides. The court’s decision underscores the serious consequences of his actions and the enduring impact on his victims.