ANDREW BAKER SHAMES SWINDON WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT PARK NORTH FLAT
In December 2015, a disturbing incident unfolded within the residential complex of Park North in Swindon, involving Andrew Baker, a 55-year-old man whose actions shocked the local community and led to his subsequent imprisonment.The events came to light after Baker, who had been drinking at a Christmas gathering, visited a nearby flat where his daughter had arranged for a teenage babysitter to look after her children.
Unbeknownst to Baker, his grown-up son was concerned about his father's whereabouts and decided to check on the situation.
When he arrived at his sister's flat in the early hours, he noticed that Baker was missing from the gathering.
Suspecting something was amiss, the son discreetly followed and observed the babysitter, who appeared visibly uncomfortable with Baker's presence.
Unaware that he was being watched, Baker entered the flat and approached the teenage girl, who was caring for his grandchildren.
According to the prosecution, Philip Warren, during the trial at Swindon Crown Court, detailed how Baker had earlier been at a party with his wife.
Upon hearing that the babysitter was alone with the children, Baker left the party and went to the flat a few floors down in the same block.
When the girl hesitantly opened the door, she felt compelled to let him in despite her discomfort, as Baker was intoxicated and behaved in a manner that made her uneasy, even inviting her to sit with him on the sofa.
Her son, noticing Baker's continued presence and her distress, went down to the flat and found her upset.
As she tried to soothe the crying baby by giving her milk and lying down with her in a bedroom, Baker entered the room.
He then proceeded to get into the bed and, in a shocking act, placed his hand on the girl’s groin, causing her to scream in terror.
The girl managed to flee the room, and her son immediately intervened, turning on the light and confronting Baker.
Initially, Baker denied the allegations, claiming that both his son and the girl were lying.
However, before the case proceeded to a jury trial, he admitted to the sexual assault.
The court heard that Baker's actions were deliberate and not impulsive, with Judge Tim Mousley QC stating that Baker had gone to the flat with the clear intention of assaulting the girl.
The judge emphasized that the location was one where the girl should have felt safe and that her fear was evident, yet Baker persisted despite his intoxication.
As a result, Baker was sentenced to 17 and a half months in prison.
Additionally, he was subjected to a 10-year restraining order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period.
The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the consequences of such heinous acts within the community of Swindon.
