Man, 74, sent to prison for multiple child sex offences

A 74-year-old man has been sent to prison after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences.

Over an eight-year period, Stephen Baker, 73, previously of Langley Mill, Nottingham, sexually assaulted a young girl in Northampton.

The abuse began when Baker took images of her sleeping and progressed to him removing her clothing while taking the images and then sexually assaulting her on numerous occasions.

Baker was arrested on March 19, 2020, after the incidents were reported to Northamptonshire Police and officers executed a warrant at his home, seizing devices which would later go on to be examined and over 5,000 indecent images of children discovered.

After pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children, two counts of voyeurism, two counts of sexually assaulting a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Northampton Crown Court, he was sentenced at the same court last week (January 4) to 13 years and six months in prison with an extended licence of two years.

One of the two counts of voyeurism related to photos Baker took of an adult woman, naked, without her knowledge.

Lead Investigator – Detective Constable Mike Childs, said: “The victims in this case have shown incredible bravery in supporting our investigation from the very beginning and I hope the conclusion of this case, and Baker’s lengthy prison sentence, will provide them with some sense of closure.

“The memories of these assaults will live with the young girl in particular for the rest of her life but she can be proud that her courage has exposed Baker for the predator he is and ensures he is no longer able to harm anyone else.

“Northamptonshire Police takes reports of this nature very seriously and we will always fight for justice. We will believe you, we will support you and we will do everything we can to send the offender to prison.”

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the Northamptonshire Police online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk

If you are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965.

Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.