SEXUAL PREDATOR JAILED FOR 23 YEARS AFTER SICKENING 'CAMPAIGN OF RAPE'
A sex offender has received a lengthy 23-year prison sentence after conducting a series of rapes.Max Barth, aged 43, engaged in disturbing sexual abuse of two young women over a span of three months.
During the trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was revealed that Barth maintained the false belief that he was in some form of relationship with one of his victims.
This claim was dismissed as part of his manipulative grooming and abusive conduct.
Residing on Hazel Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Barth was found guilty in November 2022 of seven counts of rape and three counts of sexual activity with a minor, following a plea of not guilty.
His abusive acts escalated in severity as the campaign progressed, which led Judge David Fletcher to describe it as a 'campaign of rape'.
The first victim shared her emotional impact, stating: 'I'm afraid to go outside to see my friends; I have developed anxiety.
There was a time I started ignoring everyone around me.
I became more aggressive, shouting and arguing even over minor issues with my mother.
I didn't speak to anyone.' In her own statement, the second victim expressed her struggles, saying: 'I've battled with self-harm and was recently diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder.
I am fearful of trusting older men and men in general.
The pain from this ordeal took over my childhood.' Defense lawyer Adam Watkins remarked: 'He has caused genuinely terrible harm, and he is about to face the consequences.' The judge ordered Barth to serve a minimum of two-thirds of his 23-year sentence behind bars—longer than the typical half—before parole eligibility.
He was also sentenced to be on the sex offenders register for life.
During sentencing, Judge Fletcher noted: 'You did not admit guilt—your trial proceeded, and the victims had to testify.
It was difficult for them.
One victim convinced herself she was in a relationship with you, which further indicates grooming.
This was a systematic campaign of rape.
You pose a significant risk of serious harm to children.'
