MARK LINDOW AND KURT BAKER FROM GRAVESEND AND FOLKESTONE CONVICTED OF RAPE AND GROOMING VULNERABLE TEEN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Folkestone and Gravesend, a former police officer from Kent, Mark Lindow, has been found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving a vulnerable teenage girl. The conviction was handed down by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court in September 2021, following a detailed and harrowing trial that uncovered the extent of the abuse inflicted upon the young victim.

Mark Lindow, who previously served as a police officer between 2001 and 2015, was convicted of multiple charges including rape and the distribution of indecent images. The court heard that Lindow, who is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 17 stone, engaged in repeated sexual abuse of the girl, whom he had groomed through social media platforms. His online aliases included 'Bobby' and 'Britishbobby50,' which he used to communicate with the victim on Kik, a popular messaging app.

The case came to light after a member of the public discovered a distressed girl walking along the River Medway in Chatham, Kent, in August of the previous year. She was found in a visibly upset state and subsequently disclosed that she had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse by Lindow. The court was shown evidence that Lindow had filmed himself raping her during their first in-person meeting, a revelation that added to the severity of his crimes.

Judge Julian Smith addressed the court, condemning the actions of both men. He described the offenses as being of the gravest nature and emphasized the profound impact on the victim. The judge also noted the lack of remorse shown by the offenders and their failure to acknowledge the harm caused. As part of the sentencing process, reports are to be prepared to assess the potential future danger they may pose to children and young people.

During the proceedings, Kurt Baker, aged 39 and residing in Pankhurst Place, Gravesend, was also convicted of three counts of rape involving the same victim. Baker had initially denied the allegations but was ultimately found guilty by the jury. The court heard that Baker and Lindow had collaborated in their abuse, with Baker also playing a role in the exploitation of the girl.

As Baker was led away from the courtroom, he turned and shouted threats at Lindow, who was protected by security personnel in the dock. Lindow was later escorted to the cells after his arrest. His arrest took place earlier in January when police seized his phone and conducted a thorough analysis. The investigation uncovered semi-naked photographs of the victim and three explicit videos stored within a passcode-protected app called Keepsafe. Additionally, police found internet searches related to sexual content involving schoolgirls, amateur videos, and hotel encounters.

Facebook messages from Lindow revealed that he had bragged about sexually assaulting the girl at a hotel, describing the incident as 'usual submissive-dominant role play' and referring to her as his 'slave.' He expressed a desire for her to tell others that he 'owned' her, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his mindset.

The court also heard that Lindow had used his position as a police officer to gain knowledge and training in community awareness, respect, and diversity, which he later exploited for his own depraved purposes. The jury convicted him on charges of rape and the distribution of illegal images, while he admitted to two counts of making indecent photographs and was acquitted of one.

The trial included the viewing of three brief, highly graphic videos depicting the rapes, which were shown to the jury in a closed court setting to protect the victim's identity. Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson highlighted that the young girl had been subjected to child sexual exploitation, being groomed into sending indecent photographs and blackmailed into performing sexual acts. The blackmail involved the use of an application that allowed the perpetrators to access her device remotely.

The sentencing for both Lindow and Baker is scheduled for November, with the court emphasizing the seriousness of their crimes and the lasting impact on the victim and the community at large.