PHILIP BARR FROM FORFAR SENTENCED AFTER SNAPCHAT SEX OFFENSE IN DUNDEE

In February 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Philip Barr, a resident of Fyfe Street, Forfar, who was convicted of engaging in a serious sexual offense against a teenage girl through social media. The incident highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation.

According to court records, Barr initiated contact with the young girl via Snapchat, employing two false identities to conceal his true identity. From the very beginning of their online interaction, Barr was aware that the girl was only 14 years old. Despite this, he continued to communicate with her, initially believing she was of a similar age, and later claiming to be 17. The girl, however, eventually realized the true identity of her online correspondent and understood that he was an adult man.

During their conversations, Barr asked her if it was strange for him to be in contact with a girl so young, to which he received no objection. On February 9, Barr made further contact, expressing that he had been thinking about her. He then arranged to meet her in person, picking her up in his car and driving to a different location. The encounter escalated quickly, with the two sharing a kiss and engaging in unprotected sexual activity inside the vehicle. The girl, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, did not want the encounter to continue but was reluctant to disclose what had happened.

Subsequently, on February 26, Barr visited the girl at her home. During this visit, he was discovered hiding in her wardrobe by her brother. The brother instructed him to leave the premises. The girl confided in a friend about the incident, and the friend confronted Barr, who initially denied having sex with her at that time. However, the girl’s friend informed her father about the situation, and he in turn contacted the police. Barr’s father was then involved, and he took his son to police headquarters, where Barr provided a statement admitting to the offense.

At Dundee Sheriff Court, Barr, aged 20, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act related to the incident on February 9 of the previous year. The court heard that Barr was fully aware of the girl’s age from the outset of their online interactions. The prosecution, led by Fiscal depute Vicki Bell, emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting Barr’s deliberate deception and the predatory nature of his actions.

In sentencing, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael acknowledged the gravity of the offense, which falls within the range of custodial sentences. However, he opted for a community-based punishment, imposing an 18-month community payback order, 160 hours of unpaid work, and a six-month restriction of liberty order. Additionally, Barr was placed on the sex offenders register for 18 months. The sheriff also mandated a conduct requirement, prohibiting Barr from having any direct contact with children under 17 and requiring that his use of software, internet, and devices be monitored and approved by supervising officers.

Sheriff Carmichael concluded by emphasizing the seriousness of the crime, stating, “This is a very serious offence and one that is definitely within the custodial range. A community payback order would be appropriate, however it must be alongside a punishment element such as unpaid work and a restriction of liberty order.”