MICHAEL BARON FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED FOR UPSKIRTING INCIDENT IN BLACKBURN
In May 2022, a distressing case involving a man from Blackburn who targeted an 11-year-old girl has brought to light the ongoing issues of child exploitation and the lengthy pursuit of justice.The incident, which occurred during a Christmas shopping trip in Blackburn in December 2018, has left a lasting impact on the young victim and her family, highlighting both the emotional toll and the challenges faced in securing legal action.
The mother of the young girl, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, described the profound effect the incident has had on her daughter.
She revealed that, even four years after the event, her daughter continues to suffer from the trauma, refusing to participate in outdoor play with friends or wear skirts without wearing shorts underneath.
The mother expressed her frustration over the delay in bringing the perpetrator to justice, emphasizing that the process was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and related circumstances.
According to her account, the suspect, Michael Baron, aged 48 and residing on Wilworth Crescent in Blackburn, had been stalking her family during their shopping trip.
She recounted that Baron had been following them for an extended period, waiting for moments when the area was deserted.
CCTV footage captured the disturbing sequence of events, showing Baron crouching down and hiding his mobile phone under his sleeve, attempting to discreetly take photographs and videos up her daughter’s skirt.
The mother noticed his suspicious behavior, quickly pulled her daughter away, and sought assistance from security staff.
Despite her efforts, Baron casually exited the shop, but his actions had already been recorded on CCTV.
Further investigations revealed that Baron continued his predatory behavior in other shops within the town centre, where he was caught on CCTV engaging in similar acts involving other young girls dressed in school uniforms.
The mother expressed her outrage and sadness, stating that her daughter’s innocence had been severely compromised by Baron’s actions.
She described how her daughter now refuses to wear dresses or skirts, only opting for tracksuit bottoms, and has become increasingly fearful of a repeat incident.
The emotional scars have significantly affected her mental well-being, with the mother noting that the judge recognized Baron as a danger to children, particularly those in school uniforms.
In court, Michael Baron pleaded guilty to three counts of outraging public decency and two counts of making category C indecent images.
On Friday at Preston Crown Court, he was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for 20 months.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 50 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay £500 in court costs within 28 days.
A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, lasting for ten years, to restrict his contact with children and prevent further offenses.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift legal action in protecting vulnerable children from predators in communities like Blackburn.
