BARTLE FRERE OF SHIPTON GORGE CONVICTED OF SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING BOYS IN DORSET AND INDIA

In a case that has spanned several years and involved multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, former British Airways pilot Bartle Frere, aged 51 and residing in Shipton Gorge, Dorset, has been found guilty of a series of serious sex offences involving minors. The convictions, handed down after a retrial at Bournemouth Crown Court, include a total of 16 charges related to sexual assault and the creation of indecent images of boys and teenagers. These offences date back to 2001 and encompass incidents both in the United Kingdom and abroad, notably in India.

Frere's arrest took place in November 2013 at Heathrow Airport, where he was disembarking from a flight. At the time, he was no longer employed by British Airways. The case has garnered significant media attention due to the nature and duration of the allegations. Prior to this conviction, Frere had already been convicted in October 2014 of arranging the sexual abuse of a child in India, which marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings.

During the retrial, the court was informed that police had conducted a search of Frere’s residence the day before his arrest. Among the items seized were DVDs depicting naked boys wrestling, which were used as evidence to support the charges. The jury also learned about Frere’s frequent stop-overs in India during his tenure with British Airways. It was revealed that he had befriended young boys in a fishing village near Chennai, often giving them gifts such as mobile phones in an apparent attempt to build trust and influence.

Frere claimed in court that his intentions were purely to help the boys develop and that his actions were motivated by a desire to encourage their growth. However, the evidence presented painted a different picture, illustrating a pattern of grooming and exploitation. The court heard that Frere had sent messages via Facebook to a boy in India, for whom he purchased phones and clothing, and had arranged to meet him in a hotel for what he described as “baths and cuddles.”

In addition to the charges related to grooming and sexual assault, Frere was convicted of possessing indecent photographs, including DVDs of naked Ukrainian boys, which were found at his home. The jury, however, was unable to reach a verdict on 17 other charges, including allegations of sexual activity with a child, indecent assault, and attempting to record a private act. The judge, Peter Johnson, indicated that the Crown would likely pursue a retrial on these unresolved counts and granted Frere conditional bail. He also ordered that Frere be placed on the sex offenders register during the interim period.

This case underscores the serious nature of the allegations against Frere and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address and prosecute such offences, both domestically and internationally. The court’s decision marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims involved in this disturbing case.