RUGBY PENSIONER JAILED FOR KIDNAPPING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF SIX-YEAR-OLD IN 2001
A man named Arnold Baxter, aged 72, who resided on Bath Street in Rugby, has been convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in 2001.The horrific crime, described as "every parent’s worst nightmare," involved Baxter plucking the young girl from the street in Barton-under-Needwood, near Burton-upon-Trent, before attacking her and leaving her in a nearby village.
The girl was found half an hour later by a passing motorist, and the case sparked a national manhunt.
Evidence such as DNA found on the victim’s coat linked Baxter to the crime.
Despite initial difficulties due to inconclusive DNA matches, Baxter’s involvement was confirmed after he was involved in a drink-driving incident, during which his DNA was collected and matched to the earlier evidence.
Baxter admitted his guilt before Christmas and was sentenced to nine years in Stafford Crown Court.
The judge, Mark Eades, emphasized the severity of the crime, calling it "every parent’s worst nightmare," and noted that Baxter had driven long distances in a car with false plates to commit the crime.
The victim’s parents expressed great relief that Baxter was finally in custody.
Additionally, Baxter faced a further 12 months after admitting to making thousands of indecent images of children.
His DNA was initially found in 2001 but remained unidentified until recent developments.
Detective Inspector Glyn Pattinson praised the bravery of the young girl and the significant role of DNA evidence in bringing Baxter to justice.
