January 2011

Justice at last: Child sex beast finally caged 40 years on from abuse

A predatory paedophile who horrifically abused children then kept it secret for almost 40 years has finally been brought to justice.

Barry Horrocks subjected three victims to ‘grave’ sex acts, using alcohol, pornography and camera equipment, a court heard.

A former painter and decorator, he was around 20 years old when he started his campaign of sex abuse in the Middleton area. When challenged at the time, he said the children had invented or dreamed the abuse, and he denied any wrongdoing.

After almost 40 years, his victims again came forward and Horrocks again denied any abuse. Only on the morning of his trial, in November last year, did he finally admit his crimes.

Horrocks, now 63, from Crumpsall, pleaded guilty to 11 offences of child sex abuse when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court. He showed no emotion as he was jailed for nine years. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Horrocks’ victims attended court and watched from the public gallery as he was jailed. Iain Simkin, prosecuting, told the court that on one occasion Horrocks had allowed other predatory paedophiles at a public toilet to assault one of his victims. Afterwards he had pushed money into the boy’s hand and said, ‘That wasn’t that bad was it?’

On another occasion, Horrocks’ victim ‘saw a camera lens and a flash, and believes he was photographed’, Mr Simkin added. Michael Johnson, defending, told the court that Horrocks had suffered a stroke in recent years, and had a heart condition. He added: “Since this unhappy chapter of his life was closed, he has lived his life in a completely different way.”

Judge Michael Henshell told him: “The offences you committed against these children had a grave effect upon them, but also upon the adults they have become. You destroyed not only their childhood but have had a substantial effect as they have grown older.”

Det Con Anthony Hanlon, of the GMP’s major incident team, said: “These victims have spent more than 30 years living with the most horrific ghosts of their past. “It has taken immense courage for them to come forward and report what happened to them, but I am delighted Horrocks has been convicted and will now serve his time in prison.

“I hope today’s result can help the victims try and put their horrible experiences behind them.” ‘I wanted to look into his eyes one last time’ THE victims of Barry Horrocks’ obscene abuse told us how they went to court to see him face justice. One of them said: “I wanted to look into his eyes for the last time.

“The abuse has had a profound effect on my life, and I know I will never recover from it. I find it difficult to trust people and form relationships.” Another victim said: “I was pleased with the sentence, and the judge’s comments. “It was great to see him locked away. I thought I would take the abuse to the grave with me, but it’s a great relief and I’m glad I came forward.

It feels like justice has been done. “We believe there are other victims and hope that they can now feel able to come forward, and give hope and encouragement to any other abuse victims across the country. “We would also like to thank DC Tony Hanlon and all of his team for all their support.”