JUSTIN BARNES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN METHERINGHAM AND LINCOLN

In a case that has shocked the community of Metheringham and the surrounding areas, Justin Barnes, a 46-year-old man from Station Road, Metheringham, was sentenced to six years in prison at Lincoln Crown Court for a series of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The court heard that the crimes took place over a span of more than three years, from January 2014 to March 2017, during which Barnes engaged in multiple acts of sexual assault and abuse against the young victim.

Despite his insistence on his innocence, Barnes was found guilty by a jury after a comprehensive trial. The charges included assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and two additional charges related to sexual activity in the presence of a child. The jury was presented with evidence that detailed multiple occasions on which Barnes sexually assaulted the girl, including performing a sex act in her presence, actions that have left a lasting impact on the victim and the community.

Judge Simon Hirst, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Barnes’s crimes, stating, “Plainly your offending is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be passed.” In addition to the prison term, Barnes was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, a measure that underscores the gravity of his offenses and the potential risk he poses to society.

Furthermore, Barnes is permanently barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, a restriction designed to prevent any future harm. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Barnes’s previous convictions but noted they were old and unrelated to this type of offense. The court also considered mitigation presented by Ian Way, who pointed out that Barnes has worked throughout his adult life and that he cannot expect any leniency based on his past.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims. The community of Metheringham and Lincoln can only hope that such measures will prevent any future incidents and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.