HUNTINGDON PAEDOPHILE CLIVE BAXTER SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR ABUSE CASE

In a recent development at Cambridge Crown Court, Clive Baxter, a 71-year-old man from Huntingdon, has been sentenced to serve eight additional years in prison for his involvement in a series of sexual offences against a young boy. Baxter, who is also known by the alias Edward Baxter, is already serving a substantial 16-year sentence for previous sex crimes, with a criminal history that dates back to 1969, highlighting a long-standing pattern of offending against young boys.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Baxter had targeted and groomed a boy who was under the age of 14 at the time of the offences. The court heard that Baxter had admitted to committing six indecent assaults on the victim, who was a minor when the abuse occurred. The case was brought before the court for sentencing after Baxter pleaded guilty to these charges.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth addressed Baxter directly, condemning his actions and emphasizing the gravity of his offences. The judge stated, "You have been a paedophile interested in young boys for a very long time, certainly since 1969." The court also noted that there had been an earlier incident where concerns about potential abuse had been raised, but the victim chose not to disclose any wrongdoing at that time, possibly due to embarrassment or fear.

Throughout the proceedings, Baxter appeared via a video link from prison and represented himself in court. He expressed remorse for his actions, offering an apology to his victim and acknowledging the harm caused. Baxter stated, "I really apologise to him. I now know how he must feel and really apologise to him and I hope he can get his life sorted out." He also shared that he had been molested himself as a child while in a convalescent home, which he claimed contributed to his own troubled history.

In an effort to prevent future offending, Baxter mentioned that he was undertaking prison courses aimed at addressing his behaviour. He also disclosed that his personal life had been tumultuous, revealing that he had relapsed after marriage and now found himself isolated, stating, "I have lost everyone. I am on my own and I have got to start putting my record straight."

Prosecutor Sally Hobson explained that the victim had initially been too embarrassed to report the abuse when he was a child, which led to him remaining silent. However, as an adult, he was able to come forward and report the crimes to the police, which ultimately led to Baxter’s conviction. Hobson highlighted that the victim had struggled with the trauma of the abuse and had not been brave enough to report it earlier, but the opportunity arose later in life.

Regarding Baxter’s criminal history, the court was informed that he had first been convicted of indecent assault on a male under 16 in 1969. Over the years, he accumulated additional convictions, including various custodial sentences. His most recent sentence, totaling 16 years, was handed down in 2013. Although Baxter’s current sentence is to be served concurrently with his existing term, the parole board will determine the timing of his release, considering the severity of his offences and his ongoing rehabilitation efforts.