RAYMOND BAGGERLEY SENTENCED IN BEDFORD CHILD ABUSE CASE INVOLVING NATURIST CLUB
In a significant development stemming from a long-standing child abuse investigation, Raymond Baggerley, an 80-year-old resident of Queen Street in Bedford, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of three charges of buggery.This case is part of a broader inquiry into criminal activities that took place over two decades ago at a well-known naturist club in the area.
The investigation into these heinous crimes was notably advanced by the efforts of Bedford police officers, including Detective Sergeant Ged McCarthy, Detective Constables Alan Bellingham and Colin Richardson.
Their diligent work was recognized at a formal awards ceremony held on a recent Monday, where Chief Constable Paul Hancock praised their professionalism, empathy, and perseverance in uncovering the truth behind the allegations.
The case initially gained momentum in September 1999 when a man, whose identity remains confidential, disclosed to the Devon and Cornwall probation service that he had been sexually abused as a child during the 1970s.
This revelation prompted the involvement of the Family Protection Team based in Greyfriars, which played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation.
Chief Constable Hancock commended the officers for their compassionate approach and meticulous investigative techniques, which included tracing the offenders and identifying additional victims.
The evidence collected was substantial, with one set of statements compiled by DC Richardson spanning over 100 pages.
These detailed accounts contributed significantly to building a comprehensive case against those involved.
Further efforts by DS McCarthy and DC Bellingham culminated in a coordinated operation that resulted in four arrests and the seizure of a considerable amount of obscene material.
Among those convicted was Alan Ross-Duff, aged 62, the former chairman of the naturist club, who received a nine-year prison sentence for sexually abusing teenage boys.
Ross-Duff was found guilty on 11 counts of buggery, 15 counts of indecent assault, and one count of aiding and abetting buggery.
One victim reported being sexually abused over 500 times, with Ross-Duff allegedly using him as a weekend sex toy.
Judge Rodwell described Ross-Duff as “the most voracious and predatory paedophile” he had ever encountered in his judicial career.
The case also implicated Raymond Baggerley, who was convicted of three charges of buggery.
His sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed at the naturist club in Bedford, a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light the dark underbelly of activities that once took place at the facility.
