CONNOR BAKER SENTENCED FOR SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN FOLKESTONE AND HYTHE, KENT
An extended prison term has been handed down to Connor Baker following a series of disturbing offences committed in Folkestone and Hythe, Kent.Baker's criminal actions spanned multiple incidents involving sexual misconduct and violence, culminating in his conviction at Canterbury Crown Court.
The first incident occurred on Sunday, 11 July 2021, near the Royal Military Canal in Hythe.
Baker targeted an 18-year-old woman he had been following along a quiet pathway.
According to reports, he advanced towards her and placed his hands around her waist in an intimidating manner.
The young woman, showing quick thinking and resilience, managed to evade his grasp and fled the scene in a state of distress.
Her escape led her to Rampart Road, where she was seen by a group of friends who were passing by.
The friends observed her running and recognized her distress, prompting them to intervene.
Afterward, the victim and her friends proceeded to Hythe Green, where the same group of friends noticed Baker nearby.
They questioned him about his previous actions, which appeared to provoke Baker’s aggression.
In response, he drew an asp-type weapon and swung it threateningly at the group, causing fear and chaos before he fled the scene.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the reports and later identified Connor Baker as a suspect, leading to his arrest.
The second serious incident unfolded on Friday, 12 November 2021, in Folkestone.
Baker approached a woman he did not know at her front door.
Demonstrating a reckless disregard for boundaries, Baker managed to gain entry into her property.
Inside, he attempted to kiss her and physically grabbed her, actions clearly intended to commit a sexual offence.
The woman quickly pushed him away and managed to get him out of her home safely.
However, Baker did not leave quietly; he then climbed onto a conservatory roof and looked into an upstairs window, causing further damage to the property in the process.
This alarming behaviour was reported immediately to the police.
Baker was apprehended at the scene after he jumped into a nearby garden in an attempt to evade arrest.
He was subsequently charged with multiple offences related to these incidents, including assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, possession of an offensive weapon, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, and property damage.
After a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the court found Baker guilty of all charges.
His conviction reflects a pattern of concerning behaviour involving violence, sexual misconduct, and property damage.
The court’s decision on Friday, 9 December 2022, sentenced the 24-year-old, who was formerly residing on Appledore Crescent, Folkestone, to a custodial term of nine years.
Additionally, Baker was ordered to serve an extended four years on licence following his release, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the measures necessary to protect the community.
