WILLIAM BARTON PAEDOPHILE PEST FROM SANKEY BRIDGES STRIKES AGAIN IN LIVERPOOL

In May 2018, William Barton, a resident of Broadhurst Avenue in Sankey Bridges, found himself back in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court, facing serious allegations of breaching a court order and making sexually explicit remarks to a teenage boy. This was not Barton’s first encounter with the law concerning inappropriate conduct involving minors, and his latest actions prompted a stern judicial response.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Barton had previously been convicted of dishonesty offences, and his history of inappropriate behaviour towards young boys was well-documented. Despite a court-imposed sexual harm prevention order issued in May 2016, which explicitly prohibited him from having contact with anyone under the age of 18, Barton chose to ignore these restrictions. His latest misconduct occurred on a bus in Liverpool, where he approached a 15-year-old boy and initiated a conversation that quickly turned uncomfortable and inappropriate.

The incident took place on March 6, when Barton approached the young victim at Warrington Central train station, asking him for the time. After the boy boarded a bus and took a seat, Barton followed and sat beside him. It was then that Barton began to make sexually charged remarks, attempting to engage the teenager in a conversation of a sexual nature. He asked the boy if he had ever engaged in sexual activity, making rude and suggestive comments. The victim, feeling uneasy but not feeling threatened, tried to distance himself from the situation. However, Barton’s behaviour did not cease; he reportedly smelled of alcohol and told the boy that he would buy him a pint someday, further adding to the discomfort.

The young boy, alarmed by the encounter, informed his parents, who promptly contacted the police. Law enforcement officials quickly identified Barton through CCTV footage, which confirmed his presence at the scene. Barton, who has a prior criminal record, initially denied being involved but later admitted to the charges when confronted with the evidence. He was arrested on March 25 and subsequently pleaded guilty to the offence.

During sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, expressed his disapproval of Barton’s actions, describing him as a “paedophile pest” and emphasizing the importance of protecting young boys from individuals like him. The judge sentenced Barton to nine months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, coupled with a 30-day rehabilitation order aimed at addressing his behaviour and underlying issues. Judge Goldstone made it clear that the court’s priority was to support Barton in overcoming his problems rather than simply punishing him, stating, “It is far more in the public interest to get you the support you need and suspend the sentence.”

He warned Barton that he must adhere strictly to the terms of the sexual harm prevention order, or face immediate imprisonment. The judge also pointed out that alcohol appeared to be a significant factor in Barton’s misconduct, advising him to stay sober and avoid trouble if he wished to prevent further legal consequences. The court’s message was clear: the safety of young boys must be protected, and individuals like Barton pose a serious threat to that safety if not properly managed.