James Barrass

James Barrass, a 37-year-old resident of Priory Grange in Blyth, Northumberland, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences against two women. The convictions followed a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where a jury determined his guilt on charges including rape, attempted sexual assault, and assault by penetration.

The court heard harrowing details of the attacks, which had a profound and lasting impact on the victims. In a victim impact statement read during the sentencing, one of the women described Barrass as a 'narcissist and a pathological liar', detailing how his actions had devastated her life. She spoke of severe sleep disturbances, night terrors, flashbacks, and daily panic attacks that plagued her mental health. 'It's difficult for me to sum up how much of a negative impact he has had on my life,' she stated, adding that Barrass showed no remorse and was only sorry for being caught. The relief she felt upon his conviction was palpable, as she noted it was the first time in a long while she had slept properly, feeling at peace knowing he could no longer harm others.

Judge Penny Moreland addressed Barrass directly during the hearing, emphasising the gravity of his crimes. 'You have had a seriously adverse impact on the life of both of these women. There is no doubt in my mind you are an extremely dangerous offender. You pose a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public,' she declared. A pre-sentence report further revealed that Barrass minimised and distorted his offending, often placing blame on his victims, which underscored his lack of accountability.

In addition to the 24-year custodial sentence, of which Barrass will serve two-thirds in prison, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and received indefinite restraining orders to protect the victims. Lorraine Mustard, defending, noted that Barrass had limited previous convictions and a family who would suffer from his absence, but this did little to mitigate the severity of the punishment. The case was reported by Chronicle Live, with court reporter Rob Kennedy covering the proceedings on 18 December 2025.