STEVEN BAXTER'S CRIME SPREE IN COLCHESTER: SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGERS REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Colchester, Steven Baxter, a 21-year-old man, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving underage girls. The incidents, which spanned from November 2006 to January 2009, included the rape of a 16-year-old girl and the involvement in sexual activities with six other minors aged between 13 and 17.

During the sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Christopher Ball QC delivered a stern warning about Baxter’s dangerous behavior. The judge stated, “You were using these girls as sex objects. I have not the least doubt you represent a very real and significant danger of serious harm to young girls for the foreseeable future.” The court heard how Baxter had established multiple relationships with these vulnerable girls, exploiting their trust and innocence for his own gratification.

Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Baxter engaged in a variety of sexual acts with the girls, some of which he recorded. Police investigations uncovered videos and images stored on his mobile phone and computer, which further implicated him in the abuse. Prosecutor Andrew Jackson explained that Baxter had coerced some of the girls into dressing in erotic uniforms and lingerie, participating in sexual acts at his residence on St Dominic Road in Colchester, as well as at other locations within the town, including Hilly Fields and a nearby graveyard.

One particularly disturbing aspect of the case involved Baxter falsifying a birth certificate to appear younger than he was, in an attempt to manipulate the situation when concerns arose from the father of one of the girls. The court also heard that Baxter admitted to 13 charges, including rape, sexual activity with minors, possession and distribution of indecent images of children, and creating indecent images.

In addition to his prison sentence, Baxter was handed an extended license of seven years, meaning he could be recalled to prison if he committed any further offenses within that period. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life. Prosecutor Jackson described the indecent images as being at the lower end of the seriousness scale, but emphasized their disturbing nature. It was revealed that Baxter had sent one such image of a girl to her friend after their relationship ended, intending to humiliate and embarrass her.

Impact statements from some of the victims expressed the profound emotional toll the abuse had taken. One girl described her struggle to move on, saying, “It was very difficult to get over this. I just want to get on with my life. I felt like his lapdog.”

Defense barrister Stephen Rose argued that Baxter’s pleas of guilt spared the victims from having to testify in court. He claimed that there was no evidence of threats, coercion, or force used by Baxter, and that the girls had been compliant during the encounters. Rose also mentioned that Baxter’s family continued to support him and that he was willing to accept help to address his issues.

Overall, the case has highlighted the grave dangers posed by individuals like Baxter within the community of Colchester, and the court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are regarded.