Child abuse victims speak up to “safeguard the next generation”

“I gain no pleasure from speaking up, and struggle to think of strangers seeing this side of me, but what feels right is knowing that by doing this I can play a small part in safeguarding the next generation against the very real monsters threatening to take away another childhood.”

That is the message from one survivor of the abuse carried out in Essex more than 20 years ago.

Sixty-seven-year-old Barry Farrant sexually abused his victims in Essex in the 1990s and 2000s, before they came forward and spoke to officers in 2020.

After years of investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team, he was charged with seven charges of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 14 and five charges of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14 in July 2023.

One woman said:

“Barry Farrant entered my life while I was still trying to learn the world around me.
“Taking advantage of my vulnerabilities for his own gain, he created a life that no child should experience.
“When I spoke to Essex Police in 2020 I was no longer able to bury the mental and emotional pain I was suffering.
“The last four years have been difficult, upsetting and important not just for me but for any child who has experience abuse like the abuse Barry Farrant inflicted upon me.
“I gain no pleasure from speaking up, and struggle to think of strangers seeing this side of me, but what feels right is knowing that by doing this I can play a small part in safeguarding the next generation against the very real monsters threatening to take away another childhood.”

Farrant, of Front Street in Durham, pleaded not guilty, but a jury found him guilty of all charges at Basildon Crown Court on 5 December 2024.

He was sentenced to 16 years – 14 years in prison and a further two years on licence – at the same court on 21 February and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order preventing him from any contact with children and requiring him to inform the police of any future relationships.

Another victim said:

“I cannot begin to explain the impact this has had on my life for the last 20 years.
“I have had feelings of shame around these incidents but did not understand the seriousness of what had happened until I was older.
“I can’t believe people when they pay me compliments – this man did that to me when I was a child and now I suspect any compliment has an ulterior motive.
“While I feel stronger now I have had to battle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks as a result of this man’s actions.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the police for their work supporting me, listening to me and making sure he was sentenced for what he did.
“I think about how different my life would be if this had not happened to me, and while that will never change I believe I can only try to live with this man and his action’s behind me.”

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Adam Clarke said:

“This was an incredibly difficult case for all involved, and I’d like to thank the two victims that told us what Farrant had done.
“It took a huge amount of bravery to make these reports, but with the support of the victims we were able to build the case against him and leave the jury in no doubt of his guilt.
“Farrant exploited and abused these children, who have grown into women and who have had to come to terms with the impact this has had on their lives.
“I hope both of them can look at today as testament to the team’s commitment to them and all victims of child sexual abuse, that we will listen to those that come forward and we will investigate them as fully as possible.
“It doesn’t matter how long ago this abuse may have taken place – we will take these allegations seriously and support you however we can.”

Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence - whether it happened recently or in the past.

It’s made up of three expert services:

• Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
• Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service
• Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis

You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you.

Support is available for all ages and includes:

• Counselling (in person, online or by phone).
• Emotional and practical help.
• Guidance from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to report the crime.

Their First Contact team can talk you through your options and help you get started.

Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.