AARON BAILDHAM SHOCKS LEICESTER WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FRIEND WHO CAME TO OFFER SUPPORT
In December 2022, a distressing incident unfolded in Leicester involving a woman who was subjected to sexual assault by a close friend she had gone to support during a difficult time.The woman had visited Aaron Baildham’s residence, seeking solace and companionship after his relationship had ended.
During her visit, Baildham, 31, of Millbrook Walk, off Thurcaston Road, Leicester, initially offered her a place to rest, suggesting he would sleep on the sofa while she used his bed.
She accepted this arrangement, fully dressed, intending only to get some rest before leaving.
However, her intentions were shattered when she awoke to a disturbing scene.
She found Baildham had partially undressed her and was touching her inappropriately.
The woman later described the incident in a statement read out at Leicester Crown Court, stating, “I visited him when he was depressed, lonely and wanted some company.
He took advantage of me while I was asleep.” It was revealed during the court proceedings that Baildham had previously been informed by the woman that she did not wish to pursue any relationship beyond friendship.
Despite this, he engaged in inappropriate behavior, which culminated in the assault.
Baildham initially denied the allegations of sexual assault in October 2020 but later changed his plea to guilty.
Prosecutor Philip Gibbs explained that the woman had agreed to stay at Baildham’s house because she believed he was feeling lonely.
He recounted, “She said she would get a taxi but taxis proved to be expensive, and he said she could sleep in his room and he would sleep on the sofa.” According to the court, at around 9 a.m., the woman woke up to find Baildham in bed beside her, with his hand on her breast.
She told him to get off, which he did, and he subsequently apologized.
Baildham claimed that she seemed to have been enjoying the situation, to which she responded that she had been asleep.
The woman was so distressed by the incident that she vomited and then asked Baildham what he had done to her.
He denied any further misconduct, and she contacted the police to report the assault.
In sentencing, Balraj Bhatia KC highlighted the severity of Baildham’s actions, stating, “You had clearly taken advantage of the situation.
She was so upset she threw up.
She feels used, she feels anxious.
This was in circumstances that were clearly upsetting.” As a result, Baildham received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 20 days of work with the probation service.
Additionally, a restraining order was issued, banning him from contacting the victim indefinitely.
Baildham was also placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness of his misconduct and the impact on the victim’s well-being.
