In 2022, Eric Barton, a Hucclecote Sex Offender, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting a 92-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease in her residence.
Eric Barton of Hucclecote perpetrated abuse that was recorded by concealed surveillance cameras within the victim’s residence.
He was convicted of five counts of sexual assault last week.
While sentencing the 77-year-old at Gloucester Crown Court, Judge Moira Macmillan remarked, “It is challenging to conceive of a more vulnerable victim.”
Judge Macmillan stated that the acts “have inflicted a profound impact on the woman’s family,” and “many have been compelled to pursue counselling as a direct consequence.”
He was convicted on five counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a woman whose mental illness compromised her ability to make free choices.
Eric Barton was acquitted of one charge of penetrative sexual behaviour with an individual whose mental illness impeded free choice, and one charge of inducing such an individual to engage in sexual activity.
During the trial, the jury was informed that Eric Barton’s acts, perpetrated between February 1 and March 5, were uncovered after the victim’s daughter opted to install concealed video cameras in the residence.
She acted upon being informed by caretakers that Eric Barton, residing on Hill View Road in Hucclecote, had been observed adjusting his trousers and appearing agitated as he exited the kitchen, where he had been alone with the victim.
The jury was informed that shortly after the cameras were installed, the daughter received a notification of camera activation on her phone.
Upon reviewing the film, Prosecutor James Haskell stated that the “daughter’s worst nightmare materialised as she witnessed Eric Barton in her mother’s bedroom engaged in sexual activity with the 92-year-old woman.”
Eric Barton had known the victim, afflicted with Alzheimer’s illness, for around 10 years and had been entrusted with a key to access her residence.
The victim’s condition deteriorated during the pandemic restrictions, with dementia specialists informing the court that a significant indicator was her increased flirting and sexual references.
The jury was informed that although the woman has become adept at concealing the severity of her Alzheimer’s disease, a consultant who subsequently evaluated her determined that she lacked the mental competence to reject any sexual approaches.
During his police interrogation, Eric Barton stated that he commenced fondling the woman regularly after embracing her, which he claimed she appreciated.
Eric Barton stated that it then progressed into sexual activity.
During the trial, his defence attorney Lloyd Jenkins informed the jury that “Eric Barton could not have reasonably known that the woman was incapable of refusing consent for sexual activity.”
Judge Macmillan informed Eric Barton that the woman had “reached the stage” in her dementia “where her memory had been compromised.” Although he stated that “she encouraged sexual activity,” this presented a “double-edged sword for her family.”
Judge Macmillan stated that Eric Barton was in “denial regarding the five offences” and had “convinced” himself that “the woman consented to sexual contact.”
In sentencing him, Judge Macmillan stated that Eric Barton exploited the woman’s “acquiescence and her willingness to engage without objection, despite her lack of capacity to consent”.
Judge Macmillan stated that Eric Barton had perpetrated “an abuse of trust,” as his family trusted him.
“These offences have profoundly affected the woman’s family, necessitating counselling for many as a direct consequence of your wrongdoing,” she stated.
Eric Barton was additionally registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
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