Man who sexually abused five children and two women is jailed | News

Peter Barnes from Oswaldtwistle was sentenced to 30 years

A Lancashire man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for multiple crimes against five children and two women.

Peter Alan Barnes, 57, appeared before a judge at Preston Crown Court today (5 July) for sentencing after a jury found him guilty of 43 counts of sexual abuse last week.

He admitted a crime against an adult victim before the start of his trial.

He was sentenced to 24 years in prison with an extended six-year suspended sentence because the judge classified him as a dangerous offender.

Barnes, of Central Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, was not present at the sentencing and refused to attend in person or via video link from prison.

His youngest victim was nine years old, another was twelve years old, a third victim was between twelve and 13 years old, and two victims were 15 years old.

Two of Barnes’ victims were adults when he committed crimes against them.

In addition to his prison sentence and the extension of his probation, Barnes was given a lifetime sexual violence prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Det Con Hazel Richardson, of Lancashire Police’s East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team, said: “I welcome the lengthy prison sentence given to Barnes and hope it provides a sense of justice for his victims.

“His crimes were reprehensible and caused great trauma to his victims.

“The victims showed great courage as they came forward and relived their horrific ordeals in their testimony.” ((News))