BARROW TEENAGER BENJAMIN HERDMAN FACES FINAL WARNING AFTER PREDATORY BEHAVIOR TOWARD BOYS

In June 2019, a disturbing case emerged from the town of Barrow involving Benjamin Herdman, a 19-year-old resident of Park Avenue, who engaged in inappropriate and concerning conduct towards young boys. Herdman, who exhibited an unhealthy obsession with teenage males and sports apparel, managed to befriend nine school-aged boys, some as young as 13, and involved himself in activities that raised serious alarm among authorities and community members alike.

Herdman’s interactions with these minors included supplying them with alcohol and cigarettes, which the boys subsequently sold at their schools, thereby perpetuating a cycle of risky behavior and peer pressure. His actions did not stop at mere friendship; he went further by making explicit requests for photographs of the boys wearing sports kits, although none of the boys complied with this particular demand. Additionally, Herdman falsely claimed to work in safeguarding and to have access to handcuffs, suggesting he had the authority to restrain others, which heightened concerns about his intentions.

In October 2018, the Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary became increasingly worried about Herdman’s conduct. As a result, a Sexual Risk Order was sought and granted by magistrates, explicitly prohibiting Herdman from associating with children or possessing any restraint items. Despite this legal restriction, Herdman continued to maintain contact with the boys, disregarding the court’s orders and the potential risks involved.

Further concerns arose in January 2019 when Herdman’s parents, worried about their son’s behavior, conducted a search of his bedroom. They discovered sports kits, which prompted them to contact Social Services and involve the police. This intervention was a turning point, bringing Herdman’s troubling activities into official scrutiny.

During the subsequent court proceedings, Judge Mark Brown, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, addressed the case with a serious tone. He acknowledged that the boys had provided victim personal statements, revealing that some of them had been tempted by the offer of cigarettes and alcohol, although there was no evidence to suggest they had been physically or psychologically harmed. The judge also referenced a statement from a senior teacher, indicating that during the period of Herdman’s contact, some of the boys had begun to engage in substance use and exhibited signs of behavioral decline.

Judge Brown emphasized that Herdman’s parents, who appeared to be caring and supportive, did not regret reporting their concerns. They recognized the importance of protecting not only their son but also the other boys Herdman had been involved with. The court noted Herdman’s guilty plea to 17 counts of breaching the Sexual Risk Order and sentenced him to a three-month community order, which includes participation in a sex offenders program, a 30-day rehabilitation requirement, and three years of supervision.

In closing, Judge Brown expressed hope that Herdman’s time spent at HMP Preston would serve as a wake-up call. He warned Herdman that any future breaches of the court’s orders would result in immediate reporting to authorities and a high likelihood of extended imprisonment, emphasizing the serious consequences of his actions and the importance of rehabilitation and compliance with legal restrictions.