In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Vijay Barretto, 49, was spared immediate imprisonment after sending “wholly inappropriate” sexually explicit messages to three accounts he believed belonged to children. On appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9 September 2019, the defendant—of Queensbury Road, Basingstoke—was sentenced for a grooming campaign that took place between November and December 2017. It was reported that Barretto was snared by the paedophile hunter group ‘The Original Team Hunters 25/8’ after attempting to meet a person behind one of the decoy profiles.
The investigation established the predatory nature of Barretto’s communication with those he believed were two 13-year-olds and one 12-year-old. Hampshire Constabulary reported that despite all three profiles making it clear “very early on” that they were children, Barretto continued to send graphic messages. The prosecution reported that Barretto’s “vile” messages included asking a perceived child, “I want to be naked with you?” and “Will you have my children?”.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Barretto used language that the Crown described as “wholly inappropriate” and “serious” in nature. Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard that the grooming activity lasted nearly a month, with Barretto persistently targeting the decoy accounts. The investigation established that Barretto’s eventual attempt to coordinate a physical meeting was the trigger for his arrest by officers who had been alerted by the online child protection group.
Mrs Ashton, Chair of Magistrates, noted that while Barretto was spared a custodial term, the case was “so serious” that a significant community-based penalty was required. For his actions in Basingstoke, Barretto was handed an 18-month community order. The judge noted that the order was intended to address Barretto’s “vile” online behaviour through mandatory rehabilitation while ensuring he contributed to the community through 200 hours of unpaid work.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Vijay Barretto is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 18-month Community Order (Sentenced 2019).
- Unpaid Work: 200 hours.
- Rehabilitation: 35 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
- Financial Penalties: Ordered to pay £85 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for 5 years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court following a Hampshire Constabulary investigation.
- Origin: Queensbury Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Barretto is managed under the supervision of the National Probation Service in Hampshire. Due to the nature of his conduct in Basingstoke, which involved the proactive grooming of three separate “children” over several weeks, his management is a priority for the local Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his 35 rehabilitation activity days are a mandatory requirement designed to confront and challenge his “sickening” interest in minors and prevent any further online offending.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Barretto must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and digital devices. Authorities state that his history of using “vile” language to target 12 and 13-year-olds in Basingstoke necessitates strict oversight of his internet access. Any future attempt to contact a minor, fail to disclose a digital alias, or breach the terms of his 200 hours of unpaid work will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a custodial sentence.
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