JOHN BARRETT FROM TULLIBODY ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE REPEATED SEXUAL OFFENCES IN CLACKMANNANSHIRE AND STIRLING

A 21-year-old man from Tullibody named John Barrett has avoided imprisonment after appearing before Falkirk Sheriff Court to face charges related to a series of disturbing indecent exposure and sexual misconduct incidents. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of behaviour involving Barrett approaching lone women in various locations across Clackmannanshire and Stirling, making inappropriate comments, and engaging in public sexual acts that caused significant fear and distress among his victims.

One of the earliest recorded offences occurred in Stirling on May 12 of the previous year. On that day, Barrett approached a woman walking home from work around 7:50 am. During this encounter, he asked her for the time, but the situation quickly escalated as he was found with his shorts pulled down, exposing his penis. This incident left the victim understandably shaken and fearful of further encounters.

Another disturbing incident took place shortly after, on Upper Bridge Street in Stirling, around 8 am. A woman on her way to work was targeted by Barrett, who made lewd comments about her clothing. During this encounter, Barrett was again found with his penis exposed, one hand on his testicles, and the other hand rubbing his partially erect penis. Such behaviour not only caused immediate alarm but also contributed to a climate of fear among women in the area.

Later that same year, on July 20 at approximately 9:20 pm, Barrett approached a different woman in Stirling. Witnesses reported that he stared at her with a fixed gaze, his hand down his trousers, while making inappropriate remarks. He was observed with an erection at the time, further highlighting the sexually explicit nature of his conduct.

Barrett’s offending did not cease there. In March of the current year, he committed two additional incidents in Cambus and Menstrie. In these cases, he again exposed himself and directed lewd comments towards women, continuing a pattern of predatory behaviour that caused ongoing concern within the community.

Despite multiple reports to authorities and his subsequent arrest, Barrett was granted bail. However, in July, he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exposure and indecent sexual communication. During the court hearing, the judge took into account his mental health and behavioural issues but ultimately decided on a sentence that did not involve imprisonment. Instead, Barrett was sentenced to a community payback order, which includes supervision, unpaid work, and participation in a programme designed to address his behavioural problems.

The presiding judge emphasized the serious harm caused to the victims by Barrett’s actions and underscored the importance of intervention to prevent further offences. The court’s decision reflects a balance between holding the offender accountable and recognizing the need for rehabilitative measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.