Richard Barker 56

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A man from Bradford has been jailed for a number of child sexual offences.  

Richard Barker, 56, of Keighley Road was charged with six counts of possession of indecent images of a child, three counts of engage in sexual communications with a child and two counts of cause or incite a child aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court on 9 June 2023 where he pleaded guilty to all 11 offences.  

The charges relate to incidents he committed through playing online games with two children. He then engaged in sexual communication with them and encouraged them to send indecent images of themselves.  

After he pleaded guilty to those 11 offences, sentencing was adjourned as further disclosures were made.  

Barker was then arrested and charged in July 2024 with two counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape.  

He pleaded not guilty and went on trial at Bradford Crown Court on 4 November.  

He was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape and cleared of the other offences.  

Today (31 March) at Bradford Crown Court, Barker was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison as well as a four-year extended license period.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Donna Stokes of Bradford Safeguarding Team said:  

“Barker is a predatory man who purposely targeted the most vulnerable children in society to satisfy his own sexual gratification.  

“This has been a lengthy investigation over a number of years with delays due to Covid.  

“I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victims in reporting the abuse they endured. I hope today’s sentence can give them some comfort in knowing Barker will be behind bars for a long time.  

“Bradford Safeguarding team treats all reports of sexual offences with the upmost care and sensitivity. We take all reports and investigate them thoroughly.”