GARY BARCLAY FROM BROAD CHALKE SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SALISBURY

In April 2022, a man from Broad Chalke named Gary Barclay faced the courts in Salisbury following serious allegations involving the possession of indecent images of children. The case revealed disturbing details about Barclay's actions and the extent of his online activities, leading to a significant legal response aimed at preventing further harm.

Gary Barclay, aged 38, appeared before Salisbury Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to possessing a total of 150 indecent images of children. The images were discovered on his mobile phone after police executed a search warrant at his residence on November 14, 2020. The investigation uncovered that these images ranged across various categories, with 54 classified as Category A, indicating images involving penetrative sexual activity with minors. Additionally, 40 images fell into Category B, which involved non-penetrative sexual acts, and 56 images were categorized as Category C, depicting erotic posing of children.

The court was informed that Barclay’s online activity extended beyond mere possession of images. Evidence from his phone showed that he had engaged in conversations with minors via the messaging platform Kik. During these exchanges, messages and pictures of a sexual nature were exchanged, further demonstrating his inappropriate interest in children. The police investigation revealed that Barclay had actively searched for this type of material, indicating a concerning sexual interest in minors.

When police officers arrived at Barclay’s home, he claimed that he had only been exposed to a single indecent image. However, subsequent examination of his devices confirmed the presence of the 150 images, which were dated between October 2, 2019, and October 24, 2020. The court noted that no explicit videos or moving images were found on his devices, and it was also established that Barclay had no prior criminal convictions.

During the hearing, the court considered mitigation presented by Barclay’s legal representatives. It was stated that he felt “ashamed” of his actions and that he was a family man supporting a wife and nine-year-old twins. The defense also highlighted that Barclay had lost his job as a consequence of the offences and the media coverage that ensued, which had a significant impact on his life.

Judge Evans addressed the court, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the images, which included material related to prepubescent children. The judge expressed concern about the potential distress and self-harm that could result from such material, underscoring the seriousness of the case.

As part of his sentence, Barclay was handed an 18-month community order, which requires him to participate in 20 days of rehabilitation programs. Additionally, a three-month curfew was imposed, mandating that he remain at his home between 9 pm and 5 am daily. A five-year sexual harm prevention order was also issued to restrict his contact with minors, along with a victim surcharge to be paid as part of the court’s order.