PAUL BARRETT FROM WYTHENSHAWE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERCOVER COP IN BOLTON

In April 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving Paul Barrett, a 43-year-old man from Wythenshawe, who was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activities with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The incident unfolded through online communications, where Barrett was lured into a trap set by undercover police officers operating a fake profile.

Barrett, who was 40 years old at the time of the offences, engaged in conversations with an online persona named 'Sasha' in an internet chat room between January and February 2019. Unbeknownst to him, the profile was controlled by an undercover officer. During these exchanges, the profile claimed to be a 13-year-old girl attending school, which Barrett appeared to accept without suspicion.

Despite the profile's assertion of being a minor, Barrett's messages quickly turned sexual in nature. In the initial chat, he asked whether she enjoyed being kissed and inquired if she would like to perform sexual acts on him. The following day, he continued to probe about her school uniform and explicitly detailed sexual acts he wished to perform, demonstrating a clear intent to pursue illegal activity.

Adding to the disturbing nature of his conduct, Barrett then sent a message containing his phone number, requesting to speak directly with the girl so he could 'hear her orgasm.' The undercover officer, operating the profile, attempted to call the number twice, but Barrett did not answer either call.

Barrett was arrested in March 2019 at his residence on Nearcroft Road, Wythenshawe. During police interviews, he denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges under the Sexual Offences Act. However, following a trial at Bolton Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of sexual communication with a child and three counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Tom Gilbart sentenced Barrett to two years in prison. In his remarks, the judge expressed disbelief and concern over Barrett's actions, stating, 'I find it utterly mind-boggling to consider how a father could act in this way to a person he thought was a 13-year-old child.' He emphasized the severity of the offences, describing them as predatory behavior aimed at exploiting a minor for sexual purposes.

Furthermore, Barrett will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next ten years and is required to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offending.