ROBERT BARNETT FROM THORNLEY SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR RAPE IN COUNTY DURHAM

In May 2023, a disturbing case unfolded in Durham involving Robert James Barnett, a man from Thornley, who was convicted of heinous sexual assault charges following an incident at a house party. The court heard that Barnett, a man in his mid-50s, was a complete stranger to the teenage victim and had no prior relationship with her. The events took place during a gathering at her residence, where Barnett had been drinking vodka in the kitchen area. As the night progressed, most guests either left or fell asleep, leaving Barnett alone in the house with the young woman.

According to court testimony, Barnett remained at the scene for approximately five hours after the party had largely dispersed. During this time, he allegedly waited until the other guests had gone and the house was quiet before making his move. The court was told that he then took the girl upstairs to her bedroom, where he stripped her of her clothes and began to assault her sexually. The victim, who was intoxicated at the time, eventually regained consciousness during the assault. Despite her protests and pleas for him to stop, Barnett continued his attack. The court heard that he physically restrained her by grabbing her around the neck, squeezing tightly, and then proceeded to assault her further by grabbing her breasts and continuing with the rape.

Following the assault, the victim quickly dressed in her pajamas and fled the house, seeking refuge at a nearby relative’s residence. Her fear was compounded when Barnett followed her and attempted to gain entry into the relative’s home. Overcome with terror, she hid in a child's bedroom to avoid him. Police were called to the scene, and officers arrived promptly to arrest Barnett. During his detention, Barnett struggled against the officers, resisting arrest. When questioned about his actions, Barnett claimed that he had only helped the woman to her bed due to her intoxicated state, but he refused to comment further.

Barnett was charged with rape and sexual assault. During his trial earlier this month, he maintained a 'Good Samaritan' defense, asserting that his intentions were benign. However, the jury found him guilty on both counts. The court was told that Barnett’s actions appeared to be premeditated, as he had deliberately stayed at the victim’s home for hours before taking her upstairs. The judge, James Adkin, described Barnett as a trespasser who entered the house uninvited and took advantage of the situation.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Adkin emphasized the severity of Barnett’s actions. He pointed out that Barnett’s claim of accidental falling onto the victim was not credible and that his conduct was clearly planned. The judge stated, “You were a trespasser in her home, never invited to the party, and you choked her while you raped her. Despite her obvious distress, you continued to assault her. There was significant planning involved.”

As a result, Barnett was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He is required to serve at least two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for release on parole. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a lifetime restraining order, which prohibits him from contacting or approaching the victim. Barnett, who resides at Gore Hill Estate in Thornley, County Durham, will also be subject to strict supervision upon his release, reflecting the court’s recognition of the gravity of his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.