WILLIAM BARTER FROM AMERSHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SENDING VILE SEX MESSAGES TO 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN AMERSHAM

In a case that has raised serious concerns about online safety and the vulnerability of young people, William Barter, a 22-year-old man from Amersham, narrowly avoided imprisonment after engaging in disturbing communications with a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in January 2019, when Barter, then aged 20, made contact with the young victim through social media platforms, specifically Snapchat and Facebook Messenger.

According to court reports, the girl, who was seeking to expand her social circle, asked a friend for a list of new contacts for her Snapchat account. Unbeknownst to her, one of these contacts was William Barter. The very same day they connected, Barter initiated contact and began sending her highly inappropriate and explicit messages. The court heard that he asked her when she wanted to lose her virginity and inquired whether she would allow him to take it, making the situation even more alarming.

Despite the girl’s efforts to distance herself by blocking Barter on Snapchat on January 27, he continued to pursue her. The following day, he found her on Facebook Messenger and resumed messaging her, ignoring her clear indications that she was only 14 years old. His messages included further inappropriate questions and a proposal to meet later that day. When she protested her age and refused his advances, Barter responded dismissively, claiming that her age should not be a barrier and that what he was doing was not wrong.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the girl informed her mother, who then contacted the police. Barter was subsequently arrested. During police interviews, he chose to remain silent, offering no comment, but later admitted during a plea hearing on April 10 that he had incited the girl to engage in sexual acts.

At his sentencing hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court, Judge Francis Sheridan condemned Barter’s actions, describing them as revolting and highlighting the breach of the girl’s innocence and trust. The judge emphasized that young people often seek to make many online friends, many of whom they have never met, but warned that Barter’s conduct was far from innocent. “When you contacted her, you went straight for the jugular,” the judge stated.

Judge Sheridan also pointed out that Barter’s low intelligence was a significant factor in his sentencing decision. A psychiatric report indicated that his mental capacity was limited, which the court considered when determining the appropriate punishment. As a result, Barter was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, attend 15 days of rehabilitation, and be under supervision for 12 months. He was also required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years and was prohibited from creating social media accounts or deleting his internet history during this period. Furthermore, Barter was ordered to pay £250 in compensation to his victim.

Judge Sheridan issued a stern warning, stating, “Let me make one thing clear to you: you come back, breaching this order or not doing the work, you’re going to prison. I tell you now, you will go inside.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance among young people and their guardians regarding online interactions, especially with strangers who may have malicious intent.