KEITH BAINES FROM WALTON-LE-DALE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Keith Baines, a 69-year-old man from Walton-le-Dale, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences reportedly began when the victim was just nine years old, and the case was brought before Preston Crown Court, where the details of the abuse were thoroughly examined.

Throughout the proceedings, the court heard that Baines, who previously worked as a defence electronics engineer for Siemens Plessy before retiring due to health issues, had engaged in repeated inappropriate conduct towards the girl over a period of several years. The victim, whose identity remains protected, was described as a well-mannered and polite young girl who had been raised properly, yet she endured a series of distressing incidents at the hands of Baines.

Judge Simon Altham addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the case by highlighting the aggravating factors involved. He pointed out that the abuse represented a significant breach of trust, especially given the considerable age difference between Baines and the young girl. The judge also noted that the conduct was not isolated but involved repeated acts, which compounded the severity of the crime.

Prosecutor David Clarke provided further details, explaining that the abuse typically occurred when Baines would reach over and touch the girl while they were sitting together on a settee. These acts often involved contact over and under her clothing. The victim, initially silent about her experiences, eventually disclosed the abuse in July of the previous year through her father, who was informed by a friend’s parent. During a video interview, the girl expressed her feelings of confusion, shame, and dirtiness, revealing her struggle to understand what was happening to her.

Following her disclosure, Baines was arrested and taken into custody. During police interviews, he admitted to sometimes tickling her tummy and legs but insisted that was the extent of his actions. The court was shown a harrowing statement from the girl, in which she described the profound impact the abuse had on her mental health. She revealed that she sometimes wished she had died and shared that she would lie awake at night, obsessing over the events.

In his defence, Baines’s lawyer, Amanda Johnson, argued that aside from these offences, her client had led a “blameless” life. It was also noted that Baines had previously worked for Siemens Plessy, a defence electronics firm, before retiring due to health problems. Nevertheless, the court imposed strict conditions to protect children in the future. Baines was disqualified from working with children, and a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) was issued, prohibiting him from having any unsupervised contact with minors.

The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Walton-le-Dale and Preston, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from abuse by those they trust.