Barry Larkin, a Harlow paedophile who sexually assaulted two young girls has been found guilty of eight crimes and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. Barry Larkin, 32, was characterised by sentencing judge Richard Wilkin as a “paedophile and a complete coward” after being unanimously convicted of eight crimes during a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
An inquiry conducted by the Essex Police’s specialised Child Abuse Investigation Team determined that Barry Larkin, residing on Barn Mead, Harlow, had groomed and assaulted two young girls.
With assistance provided, the two victims disclosed the magnitude of the abuse they endured. On one occasion, it was disclosed that Barry Larkin had menaced one of the girls, warning her that if she disclosed the information to anyone, she would “regret it.”
Barry Larkin was apprehended in June 2022, and his mobile devices were confiscated and examined with newly acquired software by Essex Police, funded by proceeds from criminal activities. The cops successfully retrieved the film that Larkin had recorded of his aggressive conduct.
The trial judge allowed the unusual step of showing some of the abusive material to the jury, playing distressing videos in court. Investigating officer Detective Constable Rachel Horton explained: “This was not an easy decision made by the court.
“It was decided that a verbal description of the videos would never prove the true extent of what the girls suffered. The jury is made up of everyday members of the public, and understandably, the videos caused the jurors to experience a high level of distress.”
The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on six counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Barry Larkin also admitted to taking an indecent photograph of a child at an earlier hearing.
At the same court on September 3, Barry Larkin was deemed a dangerous offender and handed an extended sentence. This sentence will comprise 12 years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of two years.
Judge Wilkin said: “You took away their innocence for your sexual gratification. You are dangerous in my assessment.”
Barry Larkin will remain on the sex offender’s register and subject to notification requirements for the rest of his life. He will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order limiting and monitoring his use of devices. Lifelong restraining orders will remain in place covering the two victims and their mother.
DC Horton added: “These convictions are the positive result of hard work across many different teams within Essex Police, together with the commitment of 12 ordinary men and women who sat through a difficult trial before delivering just verdicts based on the evidence. We would first pay tribute to the victims who have stuck with us and displayed strength and patience in their wait for justice.
“These two girls suffered awful abuse at the hands of a despicable individual, who was rightly judged to be a dangerous and opportunistic paedophile. Both girls have shown remarkable maturity during this investigation. I hope they can now put this case behind them, to some degree, and rebuild their lives.”
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