ANTONIO BARAKEN FROM WALGATE, YORK, SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the community of Walmgate, York, Antonio Domingo Baraken, aged 54, was sentenced to a lengthy period of imprisonment following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young children. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing extent of his crimes, which included forcing his young victims to film him during acts of sexual abuse.

Baraken’s crimes came to light after an 11-year-old girl bravely testified against him, providing crucial evidence that led to his conviction. The young girl recounted how Baraken had threatened her and her nine-year-old friend with a knife, coercing them into performing and filming sexual acts. Her testimony was instrumental in securing his conviction, and her courage was publicly praised by authorities. The court heard that Baraken had raped her and sexually abused her friend, actions that he carried out with blatant disregard for their age and safety.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Smith of York CID expressed his admiration for the young girl’s bravery. Speaking outside York Crown Court, DI Smith stated, “It is the courage of that girl which has resulted in a very, very dangerous man being sent to prison. This is a man who is 54, and shows no regard for what he has done to others or the orders of the court. He showed his true colours at the end. It says all about him.”

Baraken, who resides on Leicester Way in Walmgate, had previously denied charges of two counts of rape, attempted rape, and making a child watch a sexual act. However, a jury found him guilty in December of the charges against him. The court’s sentence includes a minimum of nine years before he can apply for parole, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Additionally, he was ordered to be banned from working with children for life, placed under a sexual offences prevention order that will restrict his actions if he is ever released, and registered on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Authorities and support organizations, including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, social workers, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, have all played vital roles in managing the case and supporting the victims. Detective Inspector Smith emphasized that the girls are now “doing as well as can be realistically be expected” given the trauma they endured, and he expressed hope that they could draw strength from their resilience to move forward with their lives.

During the court session, some friends and relatives of the victims were present and responded emotionally to Baraken’s outburst, which included shouting insults and threats directed at the court. The judge, Recorder Graham Hyland QC, ordered that Baraken serve at least nine years before being eligible for parole, and he emphasized the lifelong restrictions placed on him, including the ban from working with children and the sexual offences prevention order. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Walmgate and York, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the bravery of victims in confronting such predatory behavior.