DANGEROUS PEDOPHILE DAVID BARBER OF BAMBER BRIDGE SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRESTON COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Bamber Bridge and the surrounding areas, David Barber, a 72-year-old man from Greenwood, Bamber Bridge, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young children. The sentencing took place yesterday at Preston Crown Court, where Barber was convicted on multiple charges, including rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and possession of indecent photographs depicting children.

The crimes for which Barber was convicted involved two young brothers from Chorley, aged 7 and 11 at the time of the offenses. These disturbing acts occurred over a span of four years, from 2000 to 2004. Barber’s method of gaining access to his victims was particularly manipulative; he befriended their parents, which allowed him to establish a relationship of trust with the children. This calculated approach enabled him to commit the assaults in a manner that left the young boys vulnerable and defenseless.

The police investigation into Barber’s activities was initiated in March 2011, when reports of the abuse first came to light. Further evidence was uncovered during a police raid at Barber’s residence in Bamber Bridge in March of the following year. During this operation, authorities seized indecent photographs of children, leading to additional charges against Barber related to child exploitation and possession of illegal imagery.

Detective Constable Louise Dutton, who is part of the Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, expressed her condemnation of Barber’s actions. She described his behavior as “devious” and “cruel,” emphasizing the malicious intent behind his manipulation of the victims and their families. Dutton highlighted the profound impact of Barber’s crimes, stating, “Both his victims and their parents – who he manipulated to gain access to the boys – have been left scarred by this extremely dangerous man. The victims have shown great courage in coming forward and reporting their abuse at this time.”

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and community awareness in protecting vulnerable children from predators like Barber, whose actions have caused lasting trauma to those involved.