DAVID BAYLISS

A child rapist deemed to have committed monstrous crimes has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, with an additional year on license.

He will be subject to a lifelong Sex Offenders Register and has been issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his conviction on serious child sex offences at Hull Crown Court last week (Thursday, 22 January 2026).

After a trial lasting ten days, 48-year-old David Bayliss from Antimony Crescent, New Zealand, was convicted on five counts of raping a girl under 13, sexually assaulting a child under 13, and inciting a child under 13 to partake in sexual acts.

Bayliss first attracted attention in February 2019 when a different police force alerted local authorities after a teenage girl reported being subjected to a series of sexual assaults and rapes in Hull, identifying Bayliss as the perpetrator and confirming he had since moved abroad.

Following this report, detectives from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit began an investigation, uncovering that the girl had endured a prolonged series of rapes, sexual assaults, and emotional and physical abuse starting when she was just nine years old.

During their inquiries, officers obtained the girl’s diary, which documented the abuse and included threats of violence from Bayliss, who warned her that no one would believe her if she spoke out.

Efforts to extradite Bayliss from New Zealand faced numerous obstacles, as he refused to acknowledge or admit to any wrongdoing.

After an extended extradition process, Bayliss was eventually returned to the UK, arrested on suspicion of related offences, and charged with 13 crimes.

He was held in custody until his court appearance began on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Suffield, leading the investigation, commented: “Bayliss’ crimes against such a young girl are utterly abhorrent, and the impact on her life cannot be overstated.

“It takes immense bravery for a child to come forward and report such crimes, especially when told by someone they are supposed to trust that no one will believe them.

“I commend the girl’s courage and her family’s support through this lengthy and complex process.

Bayliss’s persistent refusal to return from New Zealand and denial of all allegations prolonged the trauma for everyone involved.

His attempt to avoid justice by not facing his actions reveals a cowardice that further exploits the victim’s suffering.

“Throughout the process, Bayliss appeared to prioritize his own perverse needs over accountability or remorse.

“While we cannot undo the pain caused, the sentence handed down serves as a reminder that justice is served, and we will continue to imprison individuals like him for a long time to come.”