CHRISTOPHER BAKER OF ST ALBANS PLEADS GUILTY TO INDECENT IMAGES OFFENSES BUT ESCAPES PRISON

In December 2015, Christopher Baker, a 30-year-old resident of Camp Road, St Albans, pleaded guilty to the possession of indecent images of children. Baker was arrested in May after police, acting on intelligence, visited his workplace in Harpenden. During questioning, he admitted, “Yes I have. I have tried to stop, but I have slipped back,” regarding his past online activities involving inappropriate material.

Subsequent police examination of Baker's home computer revealed numerous search terms related to indecent images of minors. Investigators discovered hundreds of still images depicting young girls as young as six being sexually abused, along with video clips and extreme pornography.

During his trial at St Albans Crown Court, it was noted that Baker was previously considered a man of good character who now expressed feelings of shame and remorse. The court was also told that Baker had taken some steps to address his behavior himself.

Judge Marie Catterson sentenced Baker to a two-year community order and placed him under 12 months of probation supervision. Additionally, Baker was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and his name will be registered on the sex offenders register.