JAMIE BAKER FROM NEW ADDINGTON SENTENCED TO OVER 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LONDON

In August 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Jamie Baker, a 23-year-old man from New Addington, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. The victim, who was only 10 years old at the time, was manipulated and coerced into performing sexual acts and sending explicit images and videos of herself. Her mother, deeply distressed by the events, recounted the traumatic ordeal and expressed her relief at Baker’s sentencing.

According to her account, Baker, residing on Kestrel Way in New Addington, used social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat to communicate with the girl between May and September 2014. During this period, he engaged in grooming behavior, attempting to persuade her that they could become lovers. The mother revealed that Baker employed threats and intimidation, including threatening to set fire to the girl’s house and kidnap her younger sister if she refused to comply with his demands.

The mother described how Baker impersonated one of the girl’s close friends, falsely claiming that if she did not send more pictures, her friend would tell her mother and tag her on Facebook. These manipulative tactics left the young girl feeling trapped and terrified. The family’s concerns grew when the girl began wetting the bed, initially thought to be a sign of bullying or other issues, but later discovered to be linked to the abuse.

It was nearly a year after the initial contact that police informed the family of their investigation. The mother recounted the devastating moment she received a call from Croydon police while shopping in Primark. She described her reaction as dropping to her knees, overwhelmed by grief and shock. The police revealed that they had uncovered evidence of Baker’s misconduct, including explicit images and videos stored on his mobile phone.

Throughout the investigation, the girl struggled to cope with the trauma. She initially attempted to hide her distress, even trying to hang herself with a school tie after the family discovered her emotional turmoil. The police interviewed her multiple times, and she provided evidence via video link during the week-long trial. Her testimony was crucial in securing Baker’s conviction.

Baker was charged with multiple offenses, including causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration, and possessing indecent images of a child. The court found him guilty on all counts. On Wednesday at the Old Bailey, he was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison, ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and issued a sexual harm prevention order.

The mother expressed her anger and frustration, stating, “He is disgusting – he has taken my daughter’s childhood away from her.” She also shared her hope that her daughter’s recovery will be possible, acknowledging the long road ahead. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance to protect vulnerable children from predators like Jamie Baker.