Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 31st March 2025, at 16:20hrs
Richard Barker, 56, of Keighley Road, Bradford, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, with a four-year extended license period, for a series of child sexual offences and rape.
The sentencing took place today at Bradford Crown Court, following a lengthy investigation and trial.
Barker had previously pleaded guilty on June 9, 2023, to 11 offences, including six counts of possession of indecent images of a child, three counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child, and two counts of causing or inciting a child aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.
These offences stemmed from Barker’s interactions with two children through online gaming platforms, where he engaged in sexual communication and coerced them into sending indecent images.
Following his guilty pleas, further disclosures led to Barker’s arrest and subsequent charges in July 2024 for two counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape.
He pleaded not guilty to these additional charges, leading to a trial that commenced on November 4, 2024, at Bradford Crown Court.
After hearing evidence, the jury found Barker guilty of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape. He was cleared of the remaining offences.
In addition to the 17-year custodial sentence and four-year extended license, Barker was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Donna Stokes of the Bradford Safeguarding Team commented,
“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 utmost care and sensitivity. We take all reports and investigate them thoroughly.”
The case highlights the serious consequences for those who exploit and abuse children, both online and in person, and underscores the commitment of the authorities to bringing such offenders to justice.
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