ANDREW BAIGENT SHOCKS RENISHAW WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES CASE

In October 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Andrew Baigent, a resident of Renishaw, who was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images depicting children as young as five engaged in sexual acts with adults. The severity of the material was underscored by the presence of over 100 films and photographs classified as Category A, the most serious level of such content, which the judge stated would have caused considerable pain and distress to the young victims involved.

Further forensic analysis of Baigent’s computer and a disc drive uncovered a total of 863 indecent or extreme pornographic images. Among these, 132 images involved extreme pornography, including sexual acts involving animals, although these did not involve children. The investigation was prompted when police traced online activity to Baigent’s IP address, revealing downloads of indecent images of children. A warrant was executed at his residence, and during questioning, Baigent responded to police inquiries with a candid remark: “I might as well fess up.”

When police arrived at his home, Baigent, aged 30, was cooperative. The authorities seized multiple devices, which were subsequently analyzed. The findings confirmed the presence of a disturbing collection: 126 images and videos in the most serious Category A, 87 in Category B, and 518 in Category C. The images involving animals were also identified, though they did not include children.

Baigent was arrested and later admitted during police interviews that he had been viewing indecent images of children for approximately a year, a period that coincided with the breakdown of a personal relationship. He pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and extreme pornography between April 2014 and April 2015.

Representing Baigent, solicitor David Watts explained that his client, who resides on Spring Close in Renishaw, has been employed at a high street electrical retailer for around ten years. Watts emphasized that Baigent’s job did not involve any contact with children and highlighted his client’s remorse and cooperation. “He made full and frank admissions, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and there is genuine remorse,” Watts stated.

During the sentencing at Derby Crown Court, Recorder Nicholas Syfret QC acknowledged the gravity of the offense, emphasizing that behind every image is a real human being, and the suffering inflicted on the children involved must be recognized. The judge described the desensitization to human suffering as a disturbing trait of offenders like Baigent and reiterated that the involvement of very young children in such material is an aggravating factor.

As part of his punishment, Baigent was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes participation in group sex offenders’ rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he was issued a sexual harm prevention order, ordered to pay costs of £1,200, and mandated to register as a sex offender. The court’s decision aims to prevent future offenses and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.