SHOCKING CRIME: STEVEN BAXTER OF BAILDON AND SHIPLEY SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AND ATTEMPTED RAPE OF GIRL UNDER 16

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Baildon and Shipley, Steven Baxter was found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The proceedings took place at Bradford Crown Court, where Baxter, a 37-year-old man from Valley View, showed no visible emotion as the jury delivered their verdict.

He was convicted on five counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, and one count of attempting to rape a girl under the age of 16. The court heard that Baxter’s actions spanned over a period from 1995 to 1998, during which his victim, now in her twenties, was between 11 and 13 years old. The severity of his crimes led to a substantial prison sentence of 11 years, and he will also be required to sign the sex offenders’ register.

During the trial, Baxter maintained his innocence, asserting to the jury on Wednesday that he would “never ever do anything like that, never.” Despite his denial, the evidence presented was overwhelming, and Judge Jonathan Rose emphasized this point when addressing Baxter after the verdict. The judge described the evidence as “overwhelming” and made it clear that the conviction was based on substantial proof.

The court detailed that Baxter had molested the girl in a tent during a night fishing trip and had repeatedly abused her at his flat in Windhill, Shipley. The incidents occurred over several years, with the girl enduring ongoing abuse during her early teenage years. The court also heard that Baxter was under the influence of drugs at the time, including cannabis and ecstasy, and that he was part of a group of young people engaging in risky behaviors such as camping by the canal, taking LSD, amphetamines, and magic mushrooms.

Baxter recounted to the jury that the girl was asleep in a tent during one of these trips, and he denied any physical contact. He described the night as chaotic, with friends lighting fires, taking drugs, and engaging in bizarre activities, including a friend describing a space battle in the sky and another injuring his eye while attempting to shoot himself with an air rifle.

The most serious aspect of the case involved Baxter’s attempt to rape the girl more than 15 years ago, following a pattern of indecent assaults that began when she was just 11. The judge described the scene as “revolting and disgusting,” emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. The culmination of Baxter’s abuse was an “utterly vile and despicable” act of attempted rape, which had a profound impact on the victim’s mental health.

The court heard that the girl suffered a mental breakdown and attempted to take her own life. She struggled with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and feelings of worthlessness, which the judge attributed to Baxter’s treatment of her as a “sexual commodity.” Judge Rose remarked that her sense of self-worth was destroyed by Baxter’s actions, leaving her feeling beneath everyone else.

Throughout the trial, Baxter refused to admit his guilt, instead choosing to lie and deny the allegations. His dishonesty and refusal to accept responsibility only served to deepen the wounds inflicted on his victim and others involved in the case. The court’s decision to impose a lengthy prison sentence reflects the seriousness with which both the police and judiciary view such offenses.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Gail Lawrie of West Yorkshire Police’s rape investigation team issued a statement. She stated, “Baxter took advantage of his victim when they were alone and tried to force himself upon her. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness in which both the police and courts view such offences, and I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in coming forward.”