HENRY DAVID BAIRD'S REIGN OF TERROR IN BALLYMENA AND COLERAINE: CHILD KILLER BACK ON ULSTER'S STREETS
| Red Rose Database
Coleraine Ballymena Sexual Abuser
In August 2008, a disturbing revelation emerged about Henry David Baird, a man with a dark and violent past, who has resurfaced on the streets of Ulster after serving a lengthy prison sentence. Baird, notorious for the brutal murder of a two-year-old boy, Philip James Carton, is now working in Ballymena, just yards from the well-frequented People’s Park, a popular spot where local mothers often take their children for walks. This proximity raises serious concerns among residents, who remain unaware of the evil lurking nearby.
Henry David Baird was released from Maghaberry prison late last year after completing 16 years of a life sentence. His incarceration stemmed from a horrific, drink and drug-fueled attack that resulted in the death of Philip Carton on August 30, 1991. The crime was described in court as an act of “unremitting savagery,” shocking the entire Ulster community and eliciting widespread revulsion.
Despite the severity of his crime, Baird successfully convinced the parole authorities that he was suitable for release. Consequently, he was freed under the terms of a life license, a decision that has sparked outrage among those who remember the brutality of his past.
Since his release, Baird has been involved in a series of altercations and disputes. Notably, he had a bitter fallout with a close friend after engaging in an affair with the friend’s partner. This incident highlights the volatile nature of Baird’s recent behavior and his inability to reintegrate smoothly into society.
Our investigation led us to Ballymena, where Baird has established a new life with a different partner. He is currently employed in the building trade as a joiner. According to a well-placed source, Baird had shown his face in Ballymoney on a few occasions but has been residing in Ballymena for several months now. However, since the Sunday Life newspaper exposed details of his violent past, the local workforce and community members have distanced themselves from him, refusing to associate with him and giving him the cold shoulder.
Further troubling reports indicate that Baird’s social circle includes individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as a car thief from County Antrim and a child-beating drug dealer from Ballymoney. His associations have raised fears about the potential influence of his past on his current environment.
Adding to the community’s concern was an incident where Baird was involved in a heated confrontation with Samuel ‘Buck’ Henry, a convicted killer himself. The altercation took place mere yards from Ballyclare Primary School in County Antrim, just before the school holidays in June. Henry confronted Baird, expressing his disapproval of Baird working so close to a school where children are present, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Baird’s presence in the area.
Henry David Baird’s criminal history is well-documented. On May 6, 1992, Lord Justice Murray sentenced him at Ballymena Crown Court to life imprisonment for the murder of Philip Carton, the son of his girlfriend, GF. The court’s records reveal that Baird’s crime was committed on August 30, 1991, and he has been in custody since the day after, August 31, 1991. The judge did not specify a minimum term, but emphasized the gravity of the offense and the need for public protection.
Details of the crime reveal a pattern of violence and neglect. Baird had a tumultuous relationship with GF, who had recently moved from England to Coleraine with her young son. Their relationship was marred by violence, with GF alleging that Baird had been violent towards her and possibly Philip before the fatal incident. On the evening of September 29, 1991, a violent argument ensued, resulting in GF requiring hospital treatment for an injured wrist. The following day, Philip was taken to the doctor with a fever and respiratory symptoms, which were initially treated with antibiotics.
Later that day, GF left Philip in Baird’s care while she went to buy alcohol. When she returned, she was told that Philip had fainted and hit his head on a piece of wood. The child was taken to Coleraine Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where Dr. C Clarke observed multiple bruises on his face, chest, abdomen, and limbs. Baird claimed that the bruising resulted from a fall over timber in the house, but medical examinations told a different story.
Despite initial explanations, the child's condition worsened rapidly. He was transferred to intensive care, where he suffered a seizure and was found to have suffered severe internal injuries, including lacerations to the liver and pancreas, which caused fatal internal bleeding. The post-mortem report confirmed that the injuries were inflicted through deliberate assault, with evidence pointing to kicks and punches that caused the internal damage. The injuries were consistent with a serious, intentional attack, not accidental harm.
During police interviews, Baird initially denied causing any harm, claiming he had only hit Philip on the bottom. However, under pressure, he broke down and admitted to hitting the child once, and later, to kicking him twice—once in the garden and again while holding him. He described feeling overwhelmed and claimed he had no intention of causing grievous harm, but his actions clearly indicated otherwise. The post-mortem findings supported this, revealing injuries consistent with deliberate, forceful assault.
In court, Baird admitted causing Philip’s death but argued that he did not intend to inflict serious injury. The prosecution, however, presented evidence of repeated kicks and blows, demonstrating a clear intent to harm. The court’s medical experts confirmed that the injuries inflicted were the result of a serious assault, with the internal damage requiring significant force.
GF, the child's mother, has since remarried and provided a written statement describing the devastating impact of her son’s death. She detailed her ongoing suffering, including depression, medication, and her use of alcohol to cope with her grief. She expressed her fears about Baird’s release, stating that her life has been forever changed and that her family remains deeply distressed and fearful of Baird’s potential return to society.
Henry David Baird’s remorse appears limited, with his statements reflecting regret rather than genuine remorse. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence, citing his difficult upbringing, lack of prior convictions, and remorse. Nonetheless, the court determined that a tariff of sixteen years was appropriate, considering the severity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
Community members in Ballymena and Coleraine continue to grapple with the reality of Baird’s presence among them, especially given his violent history and the recent incidents involving his associations. The community remains vigilant, and many fear that his release could pose a further threat to public safety, particularly to children in the vicinity of Ballymena and Ballymoney.
Henry David Baird was released from Maghaberry prison late last year after completing 16 years of a life sentence. His incarceration stemmed from a horrific, drink and drug-fueled attack that resulted in the death of Philip Carton on August 30, 1991. The crime was described in court as an act of “unremitting savagery,” shocking the entire Ulster community and eliciting widespread revulsion.
Despite the severity of his crime, Baird successfully convinced the parole authorities that he was suitable for release. Consequently, he was freed under the terms of a life license, a decision that has sparked outrage among those who remember the brutality of his past.
Since his release, Baird has been involved in a series of altercations and disputes. Notably, he had a bitter fallout with a close friend after engaging in an affair with the friend’s partner. This incident highlights the volatile nature of Baird’s recent behavior and his inability to reintegrate smoothly into society.
Our investigation led us to Ballymena, where Baird has established a new life with a different partner. He is currently employed in the building trade as a joiner. According to a well-placed source, Baird had shown his face in Ballymoney on a few occasions but has been residing in Ballymena for several months now. However, since the Sunday Life newspaper exposed details of his violent past, the local workforce and community members have distanced themselves from him, refusing to associate with him and giving him the cold shoulder.
Further troubling reports indicate that Baird’s social circle includes individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as a car thief from County Antrim and a child-beating drug dealer from Ballymoney. His associations have raised fears about the potential influence of his past on his current environment.
Adding to the community’s concern was an incident where Baird was involved in a heated confrontation with Samuel ‘Buck’ Henry, a convicted killer himself. The altercation took place mere yards from Ballyclare Primary School in County Antrim, just before the school holidays in June. Henry confronted Baird, expressing his disapproval of Baird working so close to a school where children are present, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Baird’s presence in the area.
Henry David Baird’s criminal history is well-documented. On May 6, 1992, Lord Justice Murray sentenced him at Ballymena Crown Court to life imprisonment for the murder of Philip Carton, the son of his girlfriend, GF. The court’s records reveal that Baird’s crime was committed on August 30, 1991, and he has been in custody since the day after, August 31, 1991. The judge did not specify a minimum term, but emphasized the gravity of the offense and the need for public protection.
Details of the crime reveal a pattern of violence and neglect. Baird had a tumultuous relationship with GF, who had recently moved from England to Coleraine with her young son. Their relationship was marred by violence, with GF alleging that Baird had been violent towards her and possibly Philip before the fatal incident. On the evening of September 29, 1991, a violent argument ensued, resulting in GF requiring hospital treatment for an injured wrist. The following day, Philip was taken to the doctor with a fever and respiratory symptoms, which were initially treated with antibiotics.
Later that day, GF left Philip in Baird’s care while she went to buy alcohol. When she returned, she was told that Philip had fainted and hit his head on a piece of wood. The child was taken to Coleraine Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, where Dr. C Clarke observed multiple bruises on his face, chest, abdomen, and limbs. Baird claimed that the bruising resulted from a fall over timber in the house, but medical examinations told a different story.
Despite initial explanations, the child's condition worsened rapidly. He was transferred to intensive care, where he suffered a seizure and was found to have suffered severe internal injuries, including lacerations to the liver and pancreas, which caused fatal internal bleeding. The post-mortem report confirmed that the injuries were inflicted through deliberate assault, with evidence pointing to kicks and punches that caused the internal damage. The injuries were consistent with a serious, intentional attack, not accidental harm.
During police interviews, Baird initially denied causing any harm, claiming he had only hit Philip on the bottom. However, under pressure, he broke down and admitted to hitting the child once, and later, to kicking him twice—once in the garden and again while holding him. He described feeling overwhelmed and claimed he had no intention of causing grievous harm, but his actions clearly indicated otherwise. The post-mortem findings supported this, revealing injuries consistent with deliberate, forceful assault.
In court, Baird admitted causing Philip’s death but argued that he did not intend to inflict serious injury. The prosecution, however, presented evidence of repeated kicks and blows, demonstrating a clear intent to harm. The court’s medical experts confirmed that the injuries inflicted were the result of a serious assault, with the internal damage requiring significant force.
GF, the child's mother, has since remarried and provided a written statement describing the devastating impact of her son’s death. She detailed her ongoing suffering, including depression, medication, and her use of alcohol to cope with her grief. She expressed her fears about Baird’s release, stating that her life has been forever changed and that her family remains deeply distressed and fearful of Baird’s potential return to society.
Henry David Baird’s remorse appears limited, with his statements reflecting regret rather than genuine remorse. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence, citing his difficult upbringing, lack of prior convictions, and remorse. Nonetheless, the court determined that a tariff of sixteen years was appropriate, considering the severity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
Community members in Ballymena and Coleraine continue to grapple with the reality of Baird’s presence among them, especially given his violent history and the recent incidents involving his associations. The community remains vigilant, and many fear that his release could pose a further threat to public safety, particularly to children in the vicinity of Ballymena and Ballymoney.