CONNOR BARRET FROM BEYNON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ABERTILLERY
| Red Rose Database
Beynon Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2019, a disturbing case involving a young man from Beynon, Connor Barret, came to light when he was sentenced for engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The 23-year-old, residing on Portland Street in Abertillery, was found guilty of multiple counts related to grooming and sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl, after a series of troubling interactions that spanned several months.
According to court proceedings, Barret-Beynon initiated his inappropriate conduct by sending explicit images to the young girl through Instagram. This initial step marked the beginning of a pattern of grooming behavior, which the prosecution described as manipulative and calculated. The court heard that he repeatedly encouraged her to keep their relationship secret, emphasizing the importance of clandestine communication to avoid detection.
Prosecutor Laura Shepherd highlighted the nature of the grooming, stating, “This was grooming behaviour. There is evidence he told her not to tell anyone else about the relationship and encouraged clandestine behaviour.” She further explained that after his arrest, Barret-Beynon cooperated with police, providing full and frank admissions during police interviews. He acknowledged that he was aware of her age, explicitly stating that he knew she was only 13.
Despite his admissions, it was noted that Barret-Beynon was previously of good character, with no prior convictions on record. This background was considered during sentencing, but the seriousness of his actions was not diminished. The court was told that the defendant had engaged in sexual activity with the girl on multiple occasions, despite knowing she was significantly younger than the age of consent.
Judge Richard Williams addressed the court and the defendant directly, emphasizing the gravity of the case. He stated, “You encouraged your victim to become sexually involved despite knowing she was 10 years your junior and was 13. You knew full well she was well below the age of sexual consent. You groomed her.”
Had the case gone to trial and resulted in a conviction, the judge indicated that Barret-Beynon could have faced a sentence of up to eight years in prison. However, taking into account his guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity, the judge reduced the sentence by a third, resulting in a term of five years and four months behind bars.
In addition to his prison sentence, Barret-Beynon was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Upon release, he will also be required to pay a victim surcharge, ensuring some form of restitution for the harm caused.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to combat grooming and sexual exploitation of minors, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift justice in protecting vulnerable young people.
According to court proceedings, Barret-Beynon initiated his inappropriate conduct by sending explicit images to the young girl through Instagram. This initial step marked the beginning of a pattern of grooming behavior, which the prosecution described as manipulative and calculated. The court heard that he repeatedly encouraged her to keep their relationship secret, emphasizing the importance of clandestine communication to avoid detection.
Prosecutor Laura Shepherd highlighted the nature of the grooming, stating, “This was grooming behaviour. There is evidence he told her not to tell anyone else about the relationship and encouraged clandestine behaviour.” She further explained that after his arrest, Barret-Beynon cooperated with police, providing full and frank admissions during police interviews. He acknowledged that he was aware of her age, explicitly stating that he knew she was only 13.
Despite his admissions, it was noted that Barret-Beynon was previously of good character, with no prior convictions on record. This background was considered during sentencing, but the seriousness of his actions was not diminished. The court was told that the defendant had engaged in sexual activity with the girl on multiple occasions, despite knowing she was significantly younger than the age of consent.
Judge Richard Williams addressed the court and the defendant directly, emphasizing the gravity of the case. He stated, “You encouraged your victim to become sexually involved despite knowing she was 10 years your junior and was 13. You knew full well she was well below the age of sexual consent. You groomed her.”
Had the case gone to trial and resulted in a conviction, the judge indicated that Barret-Beynon could have faced a sentence of up to eight years in prison. However, taking into account his guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity, the judge reduced the sentence by a third, resulting in a term of five years and four months behind bars.
In addition to his prison sentence, Barret-Beynon was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Upon release, he will also be required to pay a victim surcharge, ensuring some form of restitution for the harm caused.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to combat grooming and sexual exploitation of minors, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift justice in protecting vulnerable young people.