MICHAEL SLARK AND PETER BAKER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN HOUNSLOW AND SUNBURY

In a disturbing case that spans over four decades, Michael Slark, a 69-year-old man from Cavendish Road, Sunbury, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The offences, which occurred between July 4, 1973, and June 14, 2014, include rape, indecent assault, and other sexual misconduct against minors, highlighting a long history of predatory behavior.

Slark's trial at Guildford Crown Court culminated in a conviction on 25 counts of serious sexual offences, despite his initial denial of the charges. He later pleaded guilty to an additional 13 offences, bringing the total to 38 counts of child sexual abuse. The court was informed that his crimes spanned over 40 years, reflecting a disturbing pattern of abuse that persisted across multiple decades.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Jeremy Carter-Manning described the case as “an absolute catalogue of serious offences against children going back many years,” emphasizing the gravity and the extensive nature of Slark’s criminal conduct. The judge sentenced him to 22 years in prison for the most severe offence—raping a child under the age of 16. Additionally, Slark was given an extended licence period of six years, meaning he will be subject to supervision and monitoring after his release. The court ruled that he must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in custody, and if he breaches the conditions of his release, he could be recalled to serve the full 28-year term.

Slark’s other convictions include four counts of raping a child under 16, 15 counts of indecent assault, six counts of indecency with a child, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and four counts of sexual activity with a child. He was also sentenced for one count each of raping a child under 13, incitement to commit indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent photographs of a child, and sexual touching of an adult.

In a related case, Peter Baker, aged 68 and of Clare Road, Hounslow, was also convicted for his involvement in one of the sexual offences committed with Slark. Baker received a five-year prison sentence, along with an extended licence period of six years. Like Slark, he is required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison, with the possibility of recall if he breaches the terms of his release. Baker was also sentenced to four years concurrently for one count of sexual activity with a child. Both men have been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been imposed on Baker to restrict his future conduct.

Earlier in March 2017, Slark was remanded in custody following his initial arrest, as authorities assessed whether he posed an ongoing risk to the public. The court described the case as involving a “catalogue of serious offences,” and warned that a substantial prison sentence was imminent. The lengthy history of abuse, combined with the recent convictions, underscores the severity of the crimes committed by Slark and Baker in the Sunbury and Hounslow areas, leaving a lasting impact on the victims and the community at large.