DEREK BARKER OF MELTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL AFTER VICTIM'S RECORDED CONFESSION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Melton, Derek Barker, a 66-year-old man residing on Springfield Street, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault against a young girl. The case came to light after the victim, now an adult, recorded Barker admitting to the abuse many years after the incidents occurred, leading to his eventual arrest and prosecution.

According to court proceedings, Barker had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate and sexualized behavior towards the girl, who was under the age of eight at the time. The court heard that Barker would encourage the young girl to sit on his knee and would inappropriately touch her, including placing his hand up her skirt and encouraging her to touch his private parts. These acts were described as occurring on numerous occasions, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Victoria Rose, revealed that the victim had not disclosed the abuse at the time it was happening. It was only about four or five years prior to the court proceedings that she encountered Barker again in the street. During this encounter, Barker apologized for his past actions, claiming remorse for what he had done. This interaction left a lasting impression on the victim, who later confronted Barker directly about the abuse.

In her confrontation, the victim told Barker, “I was a little girl, you sick b******,” expressing her disgust and anger. She then recorded a conversation with Barker, capturing his admission that he had abused her because “she enjoyed it,” a statement that was pivotal in the case. The recorded evidence was presented to the police, leading to Barker’s arrest.

When questioned by officers, Barker made a shocking remark, saying, “It’s Jimmy Savile time, isn’t it?” This comment was seen as an inappropriate and flippant reference to the notorious UK sex offender, and it underscored Barker’s apparent lack of remorse. Barker admitted to the police that he had encountered the girl in the street and apologized for the abuse, but he claimed that if he had known she was recording him, he would not have said anything.

During the court hearing, Judge Michael Pert described Barker’s behavior as indicative of a paedophile, emphasizing the serious nature of his actions and their impact on the victim. The judge noted that Barker had expressed views suggesting that young children could participate in sexual activities, which further demonstrated his dangerous mindset.

In mitigation, Barker’s defense attorney, Nicholas Whitehorn, highlighted Barker’s medical issues, including angina and thyroid problems, and suggested that his mental state might be compromised, possibly due to a learning difficulty or low-level intelligence. Whitehorn argued that Barker’s age and health conditions made it unlikely that he would re-offend.

Ultimately, Barker pleaded guilty to two charges of indecently touching the young girl on multiple occasions. The court sentenced him to four and a half years in prison, a decision that reflects the gravity of his crimes and the harm inflicted upon the victim. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Melton, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators.