WOMAN ACCUSED OF MAKING FALSE SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIMS AGAINST POLITICIANS TO FACE TRIAL
A woman, Esther Baker of West Derby’s Bridgeford Avenue, is scheduled to face trial next year on charges related to false allegations of sexual abuse against former politicians.She appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and admitted her name and birth date but did not enter any pleas.
The trial is set to last approximately six to eight weeks starting on March 22, 2027.
Baker was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing scheduled for June 19.
During the hearing, Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, confirmed the trial date and bail conditions, informing Baker that she was free to leave.
The indictment accuses Baker of fabricating claims of abuse involving John Hemming, the ex-Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, and Roy Jenkins, the late Labour Home Secretary and Lib Dem peer who represented Southwark, Birmingham Stechford, and Glasgow Hillhead.
Additionally, she is charged with falsely implicating Simon Cole, the former chief constable of Leicestershire Police who passed away in 2022, alleging he assisted in sexual offences against her.
Another charge alleges Baker falsely claimed she was victimised by men at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, as well as other outdoor locations, private residences, and unknown sites.
These accusations cover activities between December 31, 2014, and September 19, 2020.
Malcolm McHaffie from the CPS’s special crime division stated that the prosecution of Baker was based on an extensive investigation.
He emphasized that decisions to prosecute sexual abuse allegations are carefully considered and pursued only when there is convincing evidence that the claims are false or malicious, and that prosecution serves the public interest.
The investigation was conducted in collaboration with Staffordshire Police.
