COLIN BARLOW BANNED FROM BOOZE CRUISES IN BURNLEY AFTER SEX OFFENDER ORDER

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to monitor convicted sex offenders, Colin Barlow, aged 49, has been officially prohibited from participating in overseas booze cruises with another registered sex offender. This restriction was imposed following a recent court hearing at Burnley Crown Court, where authorities successfully sought modifications to his existing Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Barlow, who has a lengthy criminal history involving child sexual offences spanning over ten years, had been residing in a bail hostel in Blackburn but has since returned to the Burnley area. His previous residence was on Rhoda Street in Nelson. His criminal record includes a seven-year prison sentence handed down in 2000 for multiple sexual offences against children. Additionally, he was re-incarcerated in December 2007 and again in December 2009 for possessing indecent images and for breaching the lifetime SOPO that restricts his activities.

Authorities believe that Barlow’s recent plans to travel abroad with Alfred Farley, a man in his early 70s, prompted the court’s intervention. The police’s Eastern division’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) became aware of their intentions to go on holiday together, which led to the application for the order variations. The police’s concern was that such travel could facilitate further offending or pose a risk to the public.

It is understood that Barlow and Farley first met during their time in custody at HMP Wymott in Leyland, where their paths crossed in 2004. Over time, they developed a close relationship, with police indicating that Barlow regards Farley as a sort of paternal figure. The pair reportedly continued their association while living in hostels around Greater Manchester, with police noting that Barlow used Farley for transportation and had even discussed plans to travel together in a touring caravan, including trips to Calais for booze cruises.

Detective Constable Aspinall explained the rationale behind the court’s decision: “Barlow claimed that Alfred Farley was a supportive factor in his life. Barlow used Farley for transportation and they had half a plan to travel in a touring caravan, going across to Calais on booze cruises. We weren’t enamoured with the thought of them going on holiday together which was the fundamental reason we applied for variations of the SOPO.”

He added that during questioning, Barlow initially denied the plans, which raised further concerns about what he might be hiding. The police’s primary goal is to protect the public and ensure that individuals with a history of offending do not engage in activities that could lead to reoffending. The court’s order now restricts Barlow from going on holiday with Farley without police approval and bans him from unsupervised contact with minors under 18, as well as from using computers, data storage devices, or accessing the internet.

Furthermore, the court has prohibited Barlow from associating with Farley in public without prior consent from a PPU officer. Detective Aspinall emphasized that while support networks are encouraged for offenders to prevent social isolation, restrictions are necessary to prevent potential reoffending. “This order means they can see each other in private dwellings. He can’t be picked up and driven round by Farley – that is not being a supportive friend,” he stated, underscoring the importance of monitoring such relationships to prevent any risk to the community.