Michael Barker, 71, convicted of historic sexual crimes against three girls between 1974 and 1999, including rape and indecent assault.

Michael Barker, 71, was convicted at Swindon Crown Court on October 6, 2025, of historic sexual offences against three teenage girls between 1974 and 1999 in Chippenham, Bishop Auckland, and Swindon, including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency, some occurring in the victims’ homes. The jury found him guilty on all charges after he pleaded not guilty. Police commended the victims for their courage in reporting decades later, stressing that time does not bar justice. Barker has been remanded in custody, ordered to register as a sex offender, and awaits sentencing following a pre-sentence report.