Sex offender who raped child given lengthy prison sentence

A paedophile who raped a child has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison – with officers today encouraging other victims of sexual abuse to come forward in confidence.

The victim’s family contacted Northumbria Police in 2021 to say she was raped by Barry Brennan several years previously, with officers immediately beginning a thorough investigation into the report.

Brennan, 39, was arrested soon after and denied all allegations in interview.

He was charged with three counts of rape of a child and stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in November last year.

However, on the second day of his trial, Brennan pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, with the third count allowed to lie on file.

Brennan, of Shields Road, in the Byker area of Newcastle, was back at the same court on Friday, February 9, where he was sentenced to a total of 13-and-a-half years in prison.

Brennan was also made subject of a restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order while he will also remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Lisa Herron, of Northumbria Police, led the investigation into Brennan.

Following his sentencing, she said: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank the victim in this case. They and their family have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to report the abuse which Brennan had subjected her to and it is thanks to them that he is beginning a lengthy prison term.

“Without the victim’s strength and determination, this result could not have been achieved.

“Brennan is a highly dangerous individual and it is only right that he is now behind bars for a significant amount of time.”

Det Con Herron added: “We would like to remind all victims of sexual abuse that it is never too late to report incidents to officers, however much time has passed.

“If you’ve been suffering in silence, now is the time to speak up.”

“You will be listened to and we are here to help.”

To access support or find out more information on how to report child abuse, visit Northumbria Police’s website at How to report possible child abuse | Northumbria Police

To report any other type of historic abuse, contact police on 101 or report online via the Force’s website.