GRIFFITH BARKER SHOCKS MILDENHALL AND OSWESTRY WITH CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Mildenhall and Oswestry, Griffith Barker, a retired police officer, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of historic child sex offences. The 79-year-old, who once served as a sergeant in the Merseyside police force, was convicted on 23 counts related to the abuse of children during a two-week trial held at Liverpool Crown Court.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Alan Conrad QC highlighted the stark contrast between Barker’s outward appearance as a respected police officer and the dark secrets he had kept hidden for decades. The judge described Barker’s conduct as a betrayal of public trust, emphasizing that his facade of professionalism concealed a pattern of predatory behavior.

Throughout the trial, Barker maintained his innocence, vehemently denying allegations of gross indecency, indecent assault, indecency with a child, and attempted rape. Despite his denials, the jury was convinced of his guilt, leading to his conviction. As he was led away to serve his sentence, Barker, who resides on Primrose Lane in Oswestry, displayed a defiant attitude by blowing a kiss toward the public gallery, where his victims sat.

Two of Barker’s victims, both now middle-aged, bravely addressed the court to recount how his actions had devastated their lives. One victim described the emotional toll of the lengthy legal process, stating, “the trial and the proceeding 18 months were extremely painful for us and our families,” and expressed how Barker’s crimes had “whether consciously or unconsciously, permeated every aspect of my life.” The other victim shared feelings of shame and degradation, revealing that witnessing the jury’s belief in her story had helped her regain her self-respect and dignity.

Throughout these testimonies, Barker remained silent, shaking his head and muttering as he stared at the gallery. When the court announced his sentence, he again blew a kiss toward the victims’ section, displaying a lack of remorse. Judge Conrad condemned Barker as a bully who used his victims as “sexual playthings” for his own perverse gratification. The judge also criticized Barker for his lack of remorse and for living a lie for most of his life, despite having built a career as a respected police officer, complete with commendations.

The court heard that Barker’s abuse was both “sustained and systematic,” taking place while he was living in Knotty Ash. The victims, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, came forward last year to report their experiences to the police. One of the victims, now a middle-aged man, recounted how Barker had abused him between the ages of six and 12, including incidents where he was made to lie naked on top of a girl Barker also abused, despite being too young to engage in sexual activity. He vividly described Barker’s police uniform, noting, “I remember he had his police uniform on, the trousers. I remember the fabric was real thick black material,” and described the abuse as opportunistic, involving “a rub here, a fondle there.”

The female victim, also middle-aged, provided her account, stating, “I think there was lots of kissing, not the right sort of kissing if you know what I mean,” which she said led to “other things.” Barker, who is from Primrose Lane, Oswestry, categorically denied all allegations during the trial, asserting that he had committed no such acts. His sentencing is scheduled for Friday, where he will face the consequences of his actions in a court that has heard harrowing testimonies and delivered a verdict that has shocked both communities and the wider public.