ROGER BARRETT SHOCKS CHRISTCHURCH AND HEADINGTON WITH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Christchurch and Headington, a man named Roger Barrett has been convicted of heinous crimes involving the abuse of young children. The incidents, which spanned over several years, came to light during a court trial held at Oxford Crown Court, where Barrett faced multiple charges related to his misconduct.

Barrett, who resides on Chewton Common Road in Christchurch, was accused of abusing a young girl he had invited into his home in the 1980s. The girl, who was a child at the time, was lured by Barrett to view his electric train set in his attic. During this visit, Barrett subjected her to sexual abuse, asking her to perform a sex act on him. The girl recounted that this abuse occurred on at least two, possibly three occasions, leaving a lasting impact on her life.

Despite denying the charges during the trial, Barrett was found guilty of four counts of indecency with a child and two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, all committed in Headington, Oxfordshire. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his misconduct, which included the creation of indecent images of the young victim. The judge, Judge Patrick Eccles, sentenced Barrett to two years in prison, a decision influenced by the legal guidelines in place at the time of the offences.

During the sentencing hearing, Barrett, aged 68, appeared visibly emotional and tearful. He issued a heartfelt apology from the dock, expressing remorse for his actions. He stated, “As it happened a long time ago I’ve put all these actions in the back of my mind. I was just so disgusted with myself, you try to forget about it and get on with life. All I can say is I’m so sorry and full of remorse for what I’ve done. If only they were here now I would say to their faces I’m so sorry for what I’ve done and I would like them to know that.”

Following the conviction, another victim came forward last week, revealing that she too had been abused by Barrett in 1987 or 1988. This new complainant, who was approximately seven or eight years old at the time, recounted that Barrett had invited her to play with his electric train set in his attic. During this visit, Barrett again subjected her to sexual abuse, asking her to perform a sex act on him. She described the abuse as occurring “twice, possibly three times.” Barrett admitted to two additional counts of indecency with this new victim and requested that these be considered during sentencing.

Prosecutor Rachel Drake highlighted the gravity of the offences, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims and the lasting trauma inflicted upon them. Outside the court, Detective Constable Nick Hills expressed his condemnation of Barrett’s actions, stating, “Roger Barrett has been convicted for a series of very unpleasant offences against young children. I would like to pay tribute to the courage of the victims who have come forward and given evidence in court.”

Judge Eccles remarked on the historical context of the offences, noting that during the 1980s, the maximum penalty for indecency with a child was two years in prison, and for taking indecent photographs, it was three years. He expressed his surprise at the disparity, saying, “It does seem extraordinary now that it was considered more serious to have the photographs than to commit the offence.” The judge’s decision to sentence Barrett to two years reflects the legal standards applicable at the time of the crimes, though the impact on the victims remains profound.

This case has brought to light the disturbing reality of child abuse hidden behind seemingly ordinary lives in Christchurch and Headington. The community is left to grapple with the revelations, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting such offences to protect other potential victims from suffering similar trauma.