RICHARD BARTON-WOOD AND DANIELLE PERRETT SHOCK ALPHETON AND WOOD WITH SEXUAL ABUSE CONVICTIONS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Alpheton and Wood, two individuals with long-standing ties to the area have been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed over three decades ago. Danielle Perrett, aged 59, a renowned harpist who has performed for the Queen and various prime ministers, and Richard Barton-Wood, aged 68, a former teacher from Wymondham, faced justice after a lengthy trial at Ipswich Crown Court.

According to court proceedings, the allegations stem from incidents that occurred in the 1980s, involving a teenage boy who was just 14 years old at the time. The victim recounted traveling from London to the city with Barton-Wood, who was then engaged to Perrett, to attend a performance where Perrett was playing the harp for hotel guests. Following the concert, the trio went back to Perrett’s flat, where the disturbing events unfolded.

The prosecution detailed that after the performance, the teenager was allowed to sleep in Perrett’s bed. It was during this time that Perrett entered the room, disrobed, and got into bed with the boy. Witnesses described how she cuddled up to him and eventually engaged in sexual activity. The victim, who later described her as “smelling of roses,” stated that he found her attractive and that the experience was “nice,” describing how they stayed in bed and fell asleep together.

Adding to the gravity of the case, Barton-Wood entered the room and began touching the victim’s genitals, although the teenager reportedly turned away. The following morning, while the boy was taking a shower, Perrett joined him and performed a sexual act. The court also heard that Barton-Wood had previously sexually assaulted the victim on his boat at Pin Mill and at a residence in Debenham.

Throughout the trial, both defendants denied the allegations. Barton-Wood claimed he had no sexual contact with the victim, while Perrett asserted that the teenager had pushed her against a wall and rubbed himself against her in her bathroom. They also expressed suspicion that the victim’s contact was an attempt at blackmail.

Despite their denials, the jury found both individuals guilty of multiple charges. Perrett was convicted of six counts of indecent assault, while Barton-Wood was found guilty of attempting to commit indecent assault and seven counts of indecent assault. The court sentenced both to four years and nine months in prison. Judge Rupert Overbury, who presided over the case, warned the defendants that they faced potential jail sentences and ordered them to surrender their passports within 24 hours, granting them bail pending sentencing scheduled for the week of February 26.

The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities, with the victim speaking out about the profound effects of the abuse. He shared that he became a recluse, suffering in silence out of shame and feeling “dirty,” and emphasized that silence can be a paedophile’s most powerful weapon. The convictions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of justice and the ongoing fight against child sexual abuse.