MARK BAKER FROM CHATHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ROCHESTER AND MAIDSTONE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Chatham, Rochester, and Maidstone, Mark Baker, a man previously residing in Chatham, has been sentenced to prison after confessing to police that he had engaged in sexual abuse involving a young girl. The incident unfolded in October of the previous year, during which Baker, who was then in a distressed state, revealed disturbing details about his actions while being transported to a hospital.

According to reports presented at Maidstone Crown Court, police officers were called to assist the coastguard along the Esplanade in Rochester. During the encounter, Baker's behavior was described as highly unpredictable. Prosecutor Martin Yale explained that Baker's conduct fluctuated between aggression and incoherence, necessitating the use of handcuffs to restrain him. Witnesses noted that Baker's mental state appeared unstable, and his actions raised concerns about his safety and the safety of those around him.

It was during this transport to the hospital that Baker made a startling confession. Mr. Yale recounted that Baker told officers, “I need to see a detective as I have committed some crimes. I have been sexually abusing... it’s doing my head in so much it feels like it’s going to explode. I need to get these things off my chest because it is making me ill. I need to be punished for what I have done.”

Following this admission, Baker, who is currently without a fixed address, was charged with six counts of sexual activity with a child. The court heard that the abuse involved fondling the victim’s breasts and touching her nipples, with one incident described as a more serious sexual assault. The details of the offences paint a disturbing picture of the harm inflicted upon the young girl.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC sentenced Baker to a term of imprisonment, emphasizing the calculated nature of the offences. The judge stated, “Such offences are designed to cause traumatic effects,” and acknowledged the ongoing impact on the victim, referencing her victim impact statement. Despite the severity of the crimes, the judge noted that Baker had shown genuine remorse during proceedings.

In addition to his prison sentence, Baker was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 16. He is also required to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. It is worth noting that Baker has already served 130 days on remand, which will be deducted from his overall sentence. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children from sexual predators in the Chatham, Rochester, and Maidstone areas.