Children came downstairs to find sex-offender watching Babestation as he babysat them

Sheffield Crown Court heard on March 25 how Barry Reddish, aged 52, of Roughwood Road, Wingfield, Rotherham, was found to have breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order after he was found working at a shop and babysitting boys on two occasions.

Simon Reevell, prosecuting, said: “A wider police investigation from January 23, 2020, onwards established he had been working in the Brampton local store and while working in the premises he served children and got to know children and inveigled himself with their parents.”

Mr Reevell explained Reddish’s SHPO prohibited him from having unsupervised access with children or enter their homes.

But one parent unwittingly allowed Reddish to babysit her 11-year-old son and his friend during an evening until 1am, according to Mr Reevell.

Mr Reevell added during the babysitting the boys came downstairs and found Reddish watching the TV programme Babestation but neither child was interfered with.

Reddish also babysat the same parent’s son and another friend on another occasion over two nights when the same parent had gone to Amsterdam, according to Mr Reevell, but there was no suggestion the defendant had interfeered with the youngsters.

Reddish pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching his SHPO.

The court also heard Reddish has previous convictions for gross indecency and indecent assault concerning young males and for a number of breaches of his SHPO.

Joy Merriam, defending, said it is not suggested there was any improper conduct with the boys and it was extremely foolish behaviour.

She added: “He’s very clear he wishes to ensure nothing similar will happen in the future and he has learned from his error.”

Ms Merriam added Reddish has had to change his accommodation and he has been subjected to intimidation and an assault.

Recorder David Kelly told Reddish he is considered to be a danger to children which is why he is not allowed unsupervised access with youngsters aged under 16.

He added: “Frankly, I cannot consider anyone less suitable than you to look after their children.”

Recorder Kelly sentenced Reddish to three years of custody.

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