EDWARD BAXTER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CAMBRIDGE AND ROYSTON REVEALED
In December 2017, a disturbing case involving Edward Baxter, a pensioner from Cambridge, came to light as he faced justice for heinous crimes committed nearly four decades ago.Baxter, aged 73, who had already been serving time for previous child sex offences at HMP Whatton in Nottingham since 2013, was sentenced to an additional 12 months at St Albans Crown Court on December 21.
Prosecutor Charles Falk detailed the allegations, revealing that Baxter, who was employed at Johnson Matthey in Royston and also coached a youth football team associated with the company, engaged in inappropriate conduct towards a young boy.
The court heard that during a football match, Baxter pretended to treat the boy’s stitches but instead slid his hand up the boy’s shorts and beneath his underwear, engaging in sexual misconduct.
Further disturbing accounts emerged of Baxter taking the boy to a swimming pool, where he later laid with the child on the grass to read a book.
During this quiet moment, Baxter touched the boy’s bottom, making skin-to-skin contact, which was deemed highly inappropriate and abusive.
The victim, who was between ten and twelve years old at the time, confided in his wife approximately a year and a half ago.
He disclosed that he had been interfered with by a coach and remembered Baxter touching his bottom when he was changing.
However, he could not recall Baxter’s name and was reluctant to ask his parents, who also worked at Johnson Matthey, fearing it would bring up painful memories.
The family’s suspicions grew when the boy appeared withdrawn and did not enjoy a family Christmas party the previous year.
This change in behavior prompted concern among relatives.
In January of the same year, police interviewed Baxter at HMP Whatton.
During the interview, Baxter stated, “if someone is saying I did these things then I probably did,” although he did not fully admit to all allegations.
He later pleaded guilty to four counts of indecently assaulting a boy under 14.
Judge Recorder Jacobs sentenced Baxter, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions.
The judge noted that Baxter’s abuse had caused the victim to blame his parents, straining family relationships.
The court also highlighted that Baxter betrayed the trust placed in him by his employer, the parents, and the young boy himself.
The judge described these acts as “grave crimes.” It was revealed that Baxter had committed a total of 39 sex offences spanning from 1969 to 2016.
He admitted to police that he is attracted to pre-pubescent boys but claimed that a relationship with a mature man “revolts” him.
Baxter was already serving an eight-year sentence for child abuse in Lincoln and received another eight years for similar offences committed in Cambridge in 2016.
His current sentence will run concurrently with his existing sentences, meaning he is expected to be released by 2024, with no additional impact on his overall incarceration period.
