Description
A man who began sexually abusing a woman when she was only around five years old has been jailed.
The crimes carried out by Barrymore James began in around 1990 and continued until approximately 1998 – sometimes happening two or three times a week.
His actions were brought to the attention of police in 2021 when his victim – who is now an adult – came forward to report what had happened. She said James had stopped abusing her when she was around 13 years old.
Speaking to officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit’s (CAIU) non-recent team, she recalled occasions where James had made her smoke crack cocaine and heroin before carrying out the abuse. She also said there were several occasions where he made her look at pornographic material.
James was interviewed about the allegations and dismissed the victim’s claims. However he was subsequently charged with a string of sexual offences.
On 22 July, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, the 65-year-old was found guilty of:
- 12 counts of indecent assault
- Two counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years
- Two counts of indecency with a child
Today (Monday 20 October) at the same court, James – of no fixed abode – was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Katie Harris, from the non-recent team, said:
“The crimes carried out by James have had a lasting impact on the victim, who showed a lot of strength and courage in re-living the abuse in front of a jury.
“Thankfully the account she was able to provide was key in ensuring James was found guilty of all counts, meaning he’s now serving time in prison.
“It’s never too late to report sexual abuse and I hope today’s outcome has provided a degree of closure to the victim and allows her to move on as best she can.”