RAYMOND BAKER OF ETWALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE ON VICTIM ON MOTHER'S DEATH DAY

In a deeply distressing case that has shocked the community, Raymond Baker of Etwall has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse. The crimes span over a decade, involving several young girls, with the most harrowing account coming from Heather Binns, who was victimized at the age of 14 and 15.

Heather, now 42 and a mother of three, bravely shared her story publicly after Baker's conviction, choosing to waive her right to anonymity to shed light on the abuse she endured. Her ordeal began on a day marked by profound tragedy for her family—her mother, Mary Lindsey, had collapsed at home and was taken to hospital. The day was further marred by Baker's heinous actions.

At the time, Heather's father and older brothers had been called to the hospital to be with her mother during her critical condition. Meanwhile, Heather was sent to stay at the home of her neighbors, Raymond and Beryl Baker, in Findern. It was during this visit, in a moment of vulnerability, that Baker sexually assaulted her. Heather recounted that she was alone in a hallway with Baker when he inappropriately touched her, sniggering at the time. She described freezing in fear, and Baker only ceased his actions when his wife called him away.

Following this traumatic incident, Heather struggled immensely. The day her mother died, she was overwhelmed with grief, but her trauma was compounded by Baker’s assault. She revealed that she was unable to seek comfort from her father, as she was too distraught and haunted by what Baker had done. Heather admitted that she felt as though her grief was overshadowed by guilt, believing she was somehow being punished, and she kept replaying the incident in her mind, feeling responsible for her mother’s death.

Heather’s suffering did not end there. She disclosed that Baker continued to sexually assault her on multiple occasions after that initial incident. During her testimony at Derby Crown Court, she explained that she would often pass Baker in the street and be subjected to inappropriate grabbing. She also confided in a woman she knew about the abuse, only to be dismissed as a “stupid little girl.” The court heard that Baker’s other victims, some as young as four, had also suffered at his hands between 1981 and 1994.

Heather expressed that hearing the testimonies of other victims during the trial had a profound impact on her, intensifying her trauma. She noted that Baker had the opportunity to plead guilty but chose not to, which forced her and others to relive their painful experiences during the court proceedings. She also shared that the long-term effects of the abuse have affected her relationships and caused her to develop a wary attitude towards men, leading to over 20 years of emotional suffering.

In her statement, Heather emphasized the importance of speaking out against sexual abuse. She urged other victims to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the incidents. Heather’s mother, Mrs. Binns, also expressed her support, stating, “I want people out there to know that it doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, you can still do something about it. By taking Raymond Baker to court, we have taken another paedophile off the streets.”

Raymond Baker’s conviction marks a significant step in the fight against child sexual abuse, and his sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of justice for victims who often suffer in silence for years.