GEORGE BAKER OF NORTH SHIELDS SENTENCED AFTER FAILED SUICIDE BID AND CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the community of North Shields, George Baker, a 67-year-old man with a troubling history, was finally brought to justice after a series of heinous child sex offences spanning over a decade. The events unfolded dramatically on September 28, 2006, when Baker, who had recently been discharged from hospital after experiencing chest pains, made a desperate attempt to escape justice by jumping in front of a Metro train at North Shields Metro Station.

At the time of the incident, Baker was wearing a hospital name tag, a stark reminder of his recent medical treatment. The tragic accident resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of his right leg and part of his right arm. Emergency services, including paramedics and firefighters, responded swiftly, spending more than half an hour attempting to free him from beneath the train. Baker was then transported on a spinal stretcher to North Tyneside General Hospital, where he remained hospitalized in a frail condition.

Prior to this incident, Baker was scheduled to appear in Newcastle Crown Court to face serious allegations of historic child sexual abuse. The charges involved two girls, both as young as 13, with the abuse allegedly occurring between 1972 and 1986. The court heard that Baker had committed multiple acts of indecent assault on these victims, with one girl enduring abuse for over four years. Despite denying the charges initially, Baker later admitted to seven counts of indecent assault during an adjourned hearing, also pleading guilty to two related offences. A charge of rape was ordered to lie on file, as Baker denied that particular offence.

Prosecutor Penny Moreland described the profound trauma inflicted upon the victims. She recounted that Baker not only sexually abused the girls but also threatened them with violence to silence their disclosures. One victim was told that Baker would