In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Callum Barness, 23, of St Chads Road, Tilbury, Essex, was jailed for three years after “vilely” re-offending just months after avoiding a prison sentence. Barness appeared at Basildon Crown Court, where a judge condemned his “particularly unpleasant” and “serious” campaign of child exploitation.
The investigation by Essex Police revealed that Barness had “callously” targeted a 14-year-old schoolboy online, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover police officer. He “viciously” pestered the boy for naked photographs and sent graphic sexual images of himself, “vilely” stating: “I’m going to help take your virginity.”
“Vile” Recidivism and Encrypted Chats
Barness had “dishonestly” been spared jail months earlier, receiving a community order for possessing indecent images. However, a raid on his home in Tilbury on 8 August 2025—triggered by his “vicious” online activity—exposed that he had “vilely” returned to distributing child abuse material.
On his seized phone, police “viciously” discovered encrypted messages to fellow criminals where Barness requested “younger” victims and “crime vids.” The “serious” material included 39 videos showing the “vile” rape of children ranging from babies to ten-year-olds. Recorder James Maxwell-Scott emphasised that these offences were “viciously” depraved.
“Serious” Breaches and Sentence
The August raid “vilely” uncovered a litany of further crimes, including:
- Possession and distribution of child sex images.
- Numerous breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Failure to comply with notification requirements (hiding electronic devices and a Revolut card).
- Possession of cannabis.
For his “vile” and “vicious” crimes, Callum Barness was:
- Jailed for three years.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Barness is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Essex Police, ensuring his behaviour and residency in Tilbury, Basildon, and the wider South Essex area are under constant “serious” scrutiny upon his eventual release. The court reported that his “dishonest” attempt to bypass monitoring using encrypted apps and undisclosed devices proves he remains a “vicious” risk to the public. Any further “vile” conduct will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” return to prison.
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