JOHN BAINES AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN BIDEFORD

A 39-year-old man from Bideford has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a disturbing sexual relationship with a teenage girl significantly younger than him. John Baines, a car valeter by profession, was found guilty of having an eight-month affair with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time, making her less than half his age.

The relationship involved Baines providing alcohol, specifically WKD alcopop, to the underage girl, and taking her to McDonald's for treats. The girl later realized the inappropriateness of their relationship and chose to end it. However, the emotional and physical misconduct had already caused significant damage. Baines’s infatuation with the teenager led to the breakdown of his own marriage, and after he moved into a new residence on his own, the girl began sneaking away from her home to spend time with him.

During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, the victim described her feelings about the relationship, stating that meeting Baines in secret made her feel “weird and cringy.” The court heard that Baines, who resided on Churchill Road in Bideford, admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. Judge David Evans sentenced him to three years and four months in prison.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Evans emphasized the gravity of Baines’s actions, stating, “You took advantage of the trust which you had generated in her to engage in sexual acts with her. She knew and you knew that what was happening was wrong. It was not just immoral, but illegal.” The judge further condemned Baines for treating the girl as if she were an adult, buying her trainers, taking her to McDonald's, and drinking alcohol with her, all while knowing she was at a vulnerable stage of her life.

Prosecutor Mr. Richard Crabb explained that the sexual activity began when the girl visited Baines’s home, where they stayed up late drinking together. Initially, their contact involved kissing and cuddling, but it eventually escalated into sexual acts. The relationship persisted for approximately nine months, during which sexual encounters occurred both at Baines’s family home and his new residence after his marriage ended. On one occasion, the relationship progressed to full intercourse. Although the girl eventually ended the relationship, Baines continued to contact her and attempted to meet her again.

Defence lawyer Mr. Nicolas Gerasimidis acknowledged that Baines was less mature emotionally than his physical age and expressed remorse for his actions. He stated, “He has lost everything. He has lost his relationship with his wife. He is estranged from his family and particularly his daughter. He recognizes the damage he has done because of a foolish decision which he now regrets.”

This case highlights the serious consequences of exploiting a minor’s vulnerability and underscores the importance of safeguarding young individuals from such predatory behavior in communities like Bideford.