ANTHONY BAILEY FROM NORBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN COULSDON

In a case that has garnered significant attention, Anthony Bailey, a 23-year-old resident of Palmers Road in Norbury, was formally sentenced on Monday after being convicted of the heinous crime of raping a 12-year-old girl in Coulsdon in 2011. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Bailey’s interactions with the young victim, highlighting a pattern of manipulation and exploitation.

Bailey’s pregnant fiancée, who is expecting triplets in January, publicly expressed her unwavering support for him despite the conviction. She maintained her belief in his innocence, stating to the Advertiser, “He does not do anything like that – he is innocent. I have known him for ten years so I know his character.” Her words underscore the emotional turmoil faced by those close to Bailey, as they grapple with the reality of his conviction.

The case was heard at Croydon Crown Court, where evidence was presented that Bailey, from Norbury, had deliberately befriended the young girl, who subsequently became infatuated with him. The court was informed that Bailey had threatened the girl, warning her that if she disclosed the assault, she should claim she had engaged in sexual activity with his brother instead. This manipulation was part of a broader pattern of grooming and coercion that the jury was told about during the trial.

During the sentencing, Judge Jeremy Gold QC addressed Bailey directly, stating, “You befriended her and that friendship led to full sexual intercourse. You did not use force and she did consent, but you took advantage of her vulnerability to groom her over the preceding months and committed this offence. She was infatuated with you and not mature enough to deal with your sexual advances.” The judge’s remarks emphasized the exploitation of the victim’s immaturity and emotional state.

Prosecutor Nicholas Alexander highlighted the aggravating circumstances, noting that Bailey had issued threats to the girl should she report the incident, adding a layer of intimidation to the crime. Despite the conviction, Bailey was acquitted of four additional counts related to the case. His defense team argued that he was not a “predatory paedophile,” but rather an “intelligent, hard-working man” who would find a lengthy prison sentence devastating. Nevertheless, Bailey was ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure that will have lasting implications for his future.

As Bailey faces the consequences of his actions, the case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of grooming and exploitation, especially involving vulnerable minors. The community in Norbury and Coulsdon remains watchful, hoping that justice has been served and that measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.