JAMES BARRETT FROM GREENHITHE SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN KENT

In a case that has shocked the community of Greenhithe and the surrounding areas in Kent, James Barrett, aged 65, has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars for a series of heinous crimes involving young children. The offences, which spanned nearly a decade, involved the sexual abuse of four very young girls, with the abuse occurring between 2008 and 2016.

Barrett, a resident of Louvain Road in Greenhithe, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court after a comprehensive five-day trial. The court found him guilty of multiple serious charges, including five counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of rape, four counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of raping a child under 13.

The victims, whose ages ranged from 8 to 15 years old at the time of the abuse, were known to Barrett. The crimes took place at his residence in Greenhithe as well as at an address in Bexley. The victims first reported the abuse to police on Monday, 29 May, leading to Barrett’s immediate arrest and subsequent charging the following day.

Following a thorough investigation, Barrett was found guilty on 10 November. His sentencing reflects the severity and prolonged nature of his crimes, which have left a lasting impact on the young victims and the community at large. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.