Ripon man jailed for underage sex offences
The victim in her 20s came forward after incidents in 2014 and 2015 in Harrogate when she was just 15
A Ripon man faces 6½ years behind bars for grooming and sexually abusing an underage girl in Harrogate.
Malcolm Peter Barwick who's 68, from Edens Way in Ripon was sentenced earlier today (Wednesday 4th August) at York Crown Court after having pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child at an earlier appearance.
The victim who's now in her 20s, but was 15 at the time the incidents took place reported them to North Yorkshire Police last June.
As well as jail time Barwick will remain on the Sex Offender's Register for life and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Matthew Reeve led the investigation into Barwick, he said, "The effect this case has had on the victim has caused a lifetime of trauma and has deeply affected her.
"She showed true bravery in reporting the matter to the police and seeing the case through. I really hope this outcome will give her the strength to move on from this horrendous experience.
"Barwick is a predator who targets vulnerable youths and grooms them for his own sexual gratification. Dangerous and manipulative offenders like him deserve to be behind bars."
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