Barrow man Craig Raeburn jailed for 14 years for child sex offences

A man from Barrow has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of a number of serious child sex offences.

Craig Raeburn, aged 61, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after a jury found him guilty following a trial earlier this year. The offences were described as non-recent, having taken place between 2014 and 2016.

The court heard that the offences involved one victim, and the case came to light after the victim later found the courage to report what had happened.

Following his conviction, Raeburn was handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life, and an indefinite restraining order was imposed to protect the victim.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ash Elliot praised the victim, saying their decision to come forward showed “incredible bravery” after experiencing traumatic events. The officer added that the outcome of the case should provide some sense of closure.

Police described Raeburn as a “predator” who was fully aware of the victim’s age at the time of the offences. Authorities stressed that sexual abuse cases are always taken seriously, even when they are reported years after they occurred.

Officers also urged other victims of abuse to come forward, emphasizing that it is “never too late” to report such crimes. They reassured the public that all reports will be handled sensitively, and efforts will be made to bring offenders to justice.

The case highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to tackle child exploitation and ensure that offenders are held accountable, while supporting victims through the justice process.

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