James John Barefield Pleads Guilty to Charges in UK Court

QE2 Teacher Looking at Lenghty Prison Term

Former QE2 Teacher James John Barefield today appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two offences of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The two offences relate to Mr Barefield’s online interaction with someone he believed to be a fourteen year old girl.

During the interaction the 31 year old Kirk Michael man  engaged in sexual acts over a webcam, the girl at the other end of the camera was in fact a covert police officer from the Metropolitan Police posing as a teen.

The case was brought to the attention of the Manx Constabulary originally by the Metropolitan Police.

It was said in court Mr Barefield appeared to lead a double life, one of a highly respected teacher, and one where he was heavily involved in using social networking sites targeting young girls.

A police representative covering the case said the facts so far have clearly demonstrated that Mr Barefield has an unhealthy sexual interest in young girls which will prevent him teaching children in future.

He is due back in court for sentencing on the 20th January.