Predator who posed as a helpful stranger jailed for sexually assaulting vulnerable women
Darren Barr, 49, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two vulnerable women after pretending to come to their aid in two separate incidents. The predatory man, from Billinge, targeted his first victim in August 2017 when she accidentally locked herself out of her house after a party. Barr approached her under the guise of offering help but instead attempted to kiss her and assaulted her by forcing his hands down her clothing. Despite being arrested, he was released without charge at the time.
In a second incident in November 2022, Barr targeted a distressed woman contemplating suicide after an argument with a friend. He lured her to his house under the pretense of waiting for a taxi, but instead, he assaulted her, making unwanted advances and preventing her from leaving by locking the front door. The woman managed to escape after a harrowing ordeal that included Barr trying to rape her.
During the sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Barr shook his head as the prosecutor described the victims as vulnerable due to the circumstances. The judge remarked that Barr took advantage of the women’s vulnerabilities by pretending to assist them when they were in distress. Barr was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and intentional strangulation in the second incident and admitted to further charges related to both attacks. He was also handed a restraining order and required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
In response to the sentence, Barr showed visible emotion, puffing out his cheeks and leaning forward with his face in his hand. The court heard that Barr had no previous convictions, but the judge emphasized the severity of his crimes, highlighting the psychological impact on the victims. Barr’s actions were condemned for exploiting the vulnerable situations of the women he targeted, betraying their trust and subjecting them to traumatic experiences.
The disturbing case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution, especially when dealing with strangers offering assistance in vulnerable situations. The victims have endured significant trauma as a result of Barr’s predatory behaviour, and the sentencing aims to provide them with a sense of justice and protection from further harm. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.