BRIAN BAKER SHOCKS BATLEY AND EAST STONHAM WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Batley and East Stonham, the former vicar Brian Baker has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for heinous acts of child sexual abuse committed nearly two decades ago. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of abuse involving Baker, who served as the vicar of Staincliffe in Batley from 1989 until 1993, and earlier as the spiritual leader at St Mary’s vicarage in East Stonham, Suffolk, from 1980 to 1989.

Judge John Devaux, presiding over the case at Ipswich Crown Court, described Baker’s actions as a “wicked breach of trust,” emphasizing the betrayal of moral and spiritual responsibilities expected of a clergyman. The judge pointed out that Baker, now 63 years old, committed these offenses while he was in his early 40s, during a period when the children and their parents were staying under the same roof, which compounded the severity of his misconduct.

According to court records, Baker was found guilty of indecently assaulting a 10-year-old girl at St Mary’s vicarage in East Stonham. The assault took place while the girl was visiting her family, and she was sleeping on a camp bed in a spare room when Baker entered and inappropriately touched her genital area. Baker then warned her to keep the incident a secret, threatening that both of them would get into trouble if she disclosed what had happened. The court also heard that during a subsequent visit, Baker had asked the girl to perform oral sex on him, further compounding the gravity of his misconduct.

In addition to the assault on the girl, Baker engaged in acts of gross indecency with her younger brother during visits to their home. The court was told that the boy was playing snooker in his parents’ bedroom when Baker persuaded him to perform a sex act on him. On another occasion, Baker committed a similar act in front of the boy, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The children eventually confided in their parents about Baker’s actions, but despite their complaints, police were not immediately involved. It was only last year that authorities were alerted, leading to Baker’s arrest in December.

Prosecutor Rosalyn Mandil-Wade detailed the allegations, emphasizing the betrayal of trust by Baker, who was supposed to be a moral guide and spiritual leader. Baker admitted to the charges of indecent assault and gross indecency, acknowledging his misconduct during the court proceedings.

As part of his sentence, Baker will serve half of the 27 months behind bars. Additionally, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. Since resigning from his position as vicar of Staincliffe, Baker has been living alone in a different part of Batley, away from the communities where his crimes have now come to light. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, raising questions about safeguarding and the oversight of clergy members in the church.