PHILIP BAKER FROM ECKINGTON CAUGHT IN DERBYSHIRE CHILD SEX OFFENSES BY ONLINE PAEDO HUNTERS

In February 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Philip Baker, a man from Eckington, Derbyshire, who was caught engaging in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a minor. The incident was uncovered after self-styled paedophile hunters, posing as a 14-year-old girl, confronted Baker when he arrived to meet an adult acquaintance.

According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Baker, aged 52, had been sending highly inappropriate messages to a girl named Emily, who was only 14 years old. The messages included explicit language and references, with Baker calling her “sexy” and referring to himself as her “daddy.” The court heard that Baker also sent Emily a photograph of his private parts and expressed a desire for her to “rub it.”

Furthermore, Baker made disturbing comments about wanting to pull down a friend’s knickers and spank her, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior. The online exchanges reportedly took place over a two-week period in late July 2019, during which Baker quickly escalated his sexual remarks. Prosecutor Tony Stanford detailed that Baker referred to Emily as “sexy,” asked her for photos, and claimed she “turned him on” and made him “horny.” Despite these explicit messages, there was no evidence suggesting Baker intended to act on his threats.

The case took a serious turn when Baker went to meet an adult friend, only to be confronted by the paedophile hunters who had been monitoring his online activity. They had been posing as Emily, the underage girl, and when Baker arrived, he was confronted and detained. Police seized his mobile phone, which was later examined and revealed to contain ten images of child abuse, four of which were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe form of child exploitation involving young children being sexually abused by adults.

During the court hearing, Baker pleaded guilty to charges of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of indecent images. The prosecution emphasized the disturbing nature of the images found on his device. Baker’s background was described as previously good, and the judge noted that he led a lonely and solitary life, which may have contributed to his vulnerability.

Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced Baker to a two-year community order. As part of his sentence, Baker was ordered to participate in a 90-day sex offender’s program and attend 30 rehabilitation sessions. Additionally, he was subjected to a 12-week curfew, placed under a five-year sexual harm prevention order, and required to register as a sex offender for five years. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his offenses and aims to prevent future harm.