Grays: Man jailed for 16 years for sex offences

A man who was previously convicted of multiple sexual offences has been jailed thanks to work by our specialist officers.

Brett Baker appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday 4 October where he was given a 17-year sentence following an investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team.

An investigation into the 33-year-old was launched on 27 January 2021, after Essex Police received a report regarding concerns for a child in the Thurrock district.

Baker was arrested and released on bail whilst officers carried out multiple enquiries including conducting sensitive interviews with the young victim.

Throughout the interviews, which were supported by independent support agencies, the victim disclosed that Baker had sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

Alongside these enquiries, forensic specialists also located key evidence which would go on to be very significant in the investigation.

Baker, of River View, Grays, was charged with two counts of rape, three counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

He denied all charges but was found guilty by a jury of all counts on Tuesday 28 May following a week-long trial at Basildon Crown Court.

He appeared at the same court on Friday 4 October where he was given a 17-year sentence, made up of 16 years in custody and one-year on licence.

He will be on the sex offenders register for life and was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period.

Detective Constable Jeffery Wainman, investigating officer in the case said:

“This was a complex investigation where our priorities were to safeguard the victim and gather the evidence needed to pursue a criminal conviction against Baker.

“It’s difficult to comprehend the suffering that Baker has caused the young victim. Her bravery in speaking with us and outlining Baker’s behaviour should never be underestimated.”

DC Wainman added:

“I would like to commend the officers in this case, who have spent hours analysing distressing evidence to secure this conviction against Baker.

“Our Child Abuse Investigation Team continue to work closely with partners including social care to protect vulnerable children and investigate child abuse.”

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