Richard Barker, 56, of Keighley Road, was charged with six charges of possessing indecent photos of a child, three counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child, and two counts of causing or inciting a minor aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.
On 9 June 2023, he appeared at Bradford Crown Court and pleaded guilty to all 11 charges.
The allegations pertain to actions he undertook while engaging in online gaming with two minors. Richard Barker thereafter participated in sexual conversation with them and urged them to transmit indecent photographs of themselves.
Following his guilty plea to the 11 charges, sentence was postponed due to additional disclosures.
Richard Barker was subsequently apprehended and indicted in July 2024 on two counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape.
He entered a plea of not guilty and commenced trial at Bradford Crown Court on 4 November.
Richard Barker was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape, while being acquitted of the remaining charges.
Today (31 March) at Bradford Crown Court, Richard 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:
“Richard 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.”
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