DARREN BARNES FROM TYDD GOTE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN LINCOLNSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tydd Gote and the wider Lincolnshire area, Darren Barnes, aged 47, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved repeated abuse of a girl who was between the ages of 8 and 11 at the time.

According to court proceedings, Barnes used manipulative tactics to silence his victim, telling her that "God would not forgive her" if she disclosed the abuse. This psychological coercion was part of a pattern of grooming that aimed to keep the girl silent and compliant. The abuse began with inappropriate touching over her clothing and escalated to more severe acts, including incidents where Barnes asked her to remove her clothes. The court heard that Barnes also showed the girl pornographic movies, attempting to groom her further by offering her money—specifically, £40 in cash—and giving her a mobile phone, likely to facilitate ongoing contact and concealment of his actions.

One of the most serious allegations involved Barnes committing oral rape against the young girl. The abuse continued until she reached puberty, at which point she finally asked for the abuse to stop. Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Barnes sought to maintain control over his victim through threats of divine punishment and fear, further compounding the trauma inflicted upon her.

The victim confided in her mother in 2012, but initially chose not to speak out publicly about her ordeal. It was only in 2014 that the police became involved, after Barnes’ own wife reported the matter to the church. During the investigation, Barnes made partial admissions, but the case did not progress significantly until 2017, when authorities discovered over 200 indecent images of children on two laptops found at his residence. These images included distressing footage of children involved in disturbing scenes, highlighting the extent of Barnes’ offending.

In a victim impact statement, the girl expressed profound suffering, stating that she had lost her self-esteem and innocence during what should have been her childhood years. Her trauma underscores the devastating effects of Barnes’ actions.

Barnes, of Station Road, Tydd Gote, pleaded guilty to 11 sexual offenses, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of child rape. He also admitted to three charges related to the possession of indecent images of children.

Judge John Pini QC delivered the sentence, condemning Barnes for targeting, grooming, and sexually abusing his victim over a four-year period. In addition to the 12-year custodial term, Barnes was subjected to a one-year extension of license upon release, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender. The court’s verdict reflects the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victim and the community of Tydd Gote.