Rapist who imprisoned two girls in Gamlingay house jailed for 18 years

A "dangerous" man who raped and sexually assaulted two girls after arranging to meet them through a fake Facebook profile has been jailed for 18 years.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Barry Price, 24, who has previously lived in Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis, was found unanimously guilty by a jury in October of four counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of false imprisonment.

At Luton Crown Court today (Friday) he was sentenced to 14 years in jail, with an extension of four years.

At his trial, the court heard how Price had used a fake Facebook profile of a 17-year-old boy to lure young girls.

Barry PriceBarry Price
Barry Price

On October 28, 2019, he arranged to meet a 16-year-old girl and they spent the day together before he drove her to a field. Price then raped the victim in his car, after forcing her to put her mobile phone into ‘airplane mode’.

Price then drove the victim to a house in Gamlingay, where he subjected her to a further rape and sexual assault.

He then abandoned her at a nearby train station, callously telling her, “Good luck getting home”.

On November 7, 2019, Price met a 15-year-old girl, who again believed he was the 17-year-old boy she had chatted to on Facebook.

He took her to the same property in Gamlingay, where he also put her phone on ‘airplane mode’ and subjected her to sexual assault and rape.

When she tried to leave, he threatened her and destroyed her mobile phone.

On sentencing, Mr Recorder James Wood QC described Price as "callous" and "showing no remorse or empathy".

Mr Wood added that he had no doubt Price planned the rapes, showing a "self-entitlement to sexually abuse" his victims.

Praising the two young girls for their courage in coming forward, he told Price: “The memory of what you did to them will live with them forever.”

In addition to his sentence, Price was also served with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order never to contact his victims.

Detective Sergeant Clare Gilbert, who led this investigation, said: “I am satisfied to see that Price will now be incarcerated for such a significant time after committing these heinous sexual offences, by deliberately hiding his true identity on social media for the purpose of gaining access to young girls.

"The fact that Price has been jailed for this length of time reflects the severity of his offending and the trauma and anguish he inflicted on his victims.

"Seeing this length of sentence handed down drives us to do the work we do, and will continue to do, every single day to protect the public.

“It wasn’t easy for the girls to report what he did to them, and I want to thank them again for their strength in coming forward, which has been truly inspirational. Hopefully seeing Price locked up will allow them to begin their journeys to recovery.

“Anyone who commits rape or sexual offences must expect to face the considerable consequences of their actions.”

Detective Inspector Michelle Lack added: “Our specially trained officers work closely with highly skilled, specialist and empathetic partners to ensure anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault can get the right help they need.

“If something has happened to you, please let us know. We will believe you and we will do all we can to support you, and investigate so that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Beds Police, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.

Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

You can also contact Bedfordshire’s SARC by visiting the Emerald Centre or alternatively calling 01234 842750.

Contact 0800 0282887 or visit Signposts for Bedfordshire for further information.