In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that, then 50-year-old, Barry Wilcox was returned to prison for child grooming offences committed while on a life licence for murder. Appearing at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, 13 November 2019, the defendant—formerly of Swindon, Wiltshire—pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to communicate with a child for sexual gratification. It was reported that Wilcox had previously served 19 years of a life sentence for the 1994 murder of 21-year-old Samantha Walker in Malmesbury.
The investigation established that Wilcox was snared by online “paedophile hunter” groups Time is Up and Justice for Tears. Wiltshire Police reported that in March 2019, Wilcox used the social media site Tagged and the messaging app Kik to pester profiles he believed belonged to girls aged 13 and 14. The prosecution reported that Wilcox pestered the “girls” to perform sexual acts, sent a naked image of a man, and suggested joining one of the children in bed, telling her “no one would find out.”
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Wilcox’s original 1994 murder conviction involved a “shocking” sexual element, where he strangled, bit, and burnt his victim in a paddock. Swindon Crown Court heard that Wilcox made full admissions to the new grooming charges, claiming he had “had a few cans” after losing his job. The investigation established that he had been released on licence in 2014, but his decision to target children online triggered an immediate recall to prison.
Judge Peter Crabtree described the offences as serious and noted the “worrying factor” that Wilcox had offended despite the extensive rehabilitation work done during his 19 years in custody. For his actions in Swindon, Wilcox was sentenced to 13 months in prison. The judge highlighted that the sexual nature of his previous murder was a significant aggravating feature, proving that Wilcox remained a persistent threat to the public.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Barry Wilcox as of late 2019 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 13 months (plus indefinite recall on his Life Licence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Legal Status: Recalled to prison; release only possible via the Parole Board.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Swindon Crown Court following a Wiltshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Murder (1994); Attempting to communicate with a child for sexual gratification (2 counts).
- Origin: Swindon, Wiltshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Wilcox is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) as a Category 1 high-risk offender within the prison estate and the Wiltshire area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Malmesbury and Swindon, which involves both lethal violence and the grooming of children, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that because he is on a “life licence,” he can be kept in prison indefinitely if the Parole Board deems him a continued risk to women and children.
As a registered sex offender for life, Wilcox’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his predatory behaviour and his “smirking” defiance in court require permanent vigilance by offender management teams. Any future attempt to access social media, contact minors, or breach the strict conditions of his life licence will result in immediate re-incarceration to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and to uphold the protection of the public from a confirmed murderer and child groomer.
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