KENNETH BARNES SENT TO PRISON FOR ABUSE IN WYTHENSHAWE: VICTIM'S COURAGE BRINGS JUSTICE

In a harrowing case that has spanned over two decades, Kenneth Barnes, a man from Wythenshawe, has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault against a young girl, Becky Burgess. The abuse began when Becky was just four years old and continued for approximately two years, with Barnes, who was 54 years her senior at the time, targeting her in his garden shed. The details of this case reveal a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that went unnoticed for many years.

Becky Burgess, now 26, courageously shared her story publicly for the first time, hoping to inspire other victims to come forward and seek justice. Her testimony was pivotal in the conviction of Kenneth Barnes, who was 79 years old at the time of sentencing. The jury found Barnes guilty of seven counts of sexual assault after a trial at Manchester Crown Court, dismissing his attempts to deny the allegations. As a result, Barnes was sentenced to nine years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The case's origins trace back to Becky's early placement in the Manchester care system at just 18 months old, following her mother’s illness. When she was four, she was separated from her siblings and placed into foster care with Kenneth Barnes and his late wife, Joyce. Although Becky does not remember much of her daily life in the Barnes household, she vividly recalls the dingy shed beside their house, which became the site of her abuse. Barnes would assault her up to three times a week during her time in his care, a trauma that she instinctively knew was wrong but felt powerless to stop.

Becky expressed her feelings of fear and confusion, recounting her desire to tell someone about her suffering but being overwhelmed by fear that no one would believe her. Her internal struggle was compounded by her young age and the shame associated with her experiences. She also described her early struggles with mental health, including anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which persisted long after she left Barnes’s care.

Her removal from Barnes’s household occurred shortly after her sixth birthday when she was placed with her uncle. Despite this, the emotional scars of her abuse lingered, affecting her behavior and mental health throughout her adolescence. Becky’s troubled youth included encounters with the police and frequent counseling sessions, as she grappled with her trauma. She remained in the care system until she reached 21, but her difficulties persisted, making it hard for her to settle into normal life.

The secret of her abuse remained hidden for 21 years until Becky finally confided in her mother. Her mother immediately contacted the police, prompting Becky to consider reporting her abuser. Initially hesitant, Becky was persuaded by her mother to take action. In May 2017, she formally reported the abuse to Greater Manchester Police, providing a video interview as evidence. Barnes was arrested that same evening, but he continued to deny the allegations and chose to stand trial.

During the trial, Becky was called to give evidence, a process she described as terrifying but necessary. She recounted the details of her abuse, including her memories of the shed where the assaults took place. The court proceedings were emotionally taxing, but her testimony was compelling enough to convince the jury of her truth.

Following the conviction, Becky expressed relief and a renewed faith in the justice system. She now lives with her partner Claire and their three young children, and she is actively encouraging other victims to come forward. Her message is clear: justice can be achieved, even in cases of historic abuse. Becky hopes her story will serve as a reminder that no matter how long ago the abuse occurred, perpetrators can be held accountable, and victims can find the courage to seek justice.