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PSNI chief describes Baker pair as "evil"

Superintendent George Clarke at yesterday's PSNI press conference. Picture by Hugh Russell
Superintendent George Clarke at yesterday's PSNI press conference. Picture by Hugh Russell Superintendent George Clarke at yesterday's PSNI press conference. Picture by Hugh Russell

FOLLOWING the sentencing of Keith and Caroline Baker yesterday, the head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch said the pair "can only be described as evil".

Speaking outside Craigavon Crown Court, detective chief superintendent George Clarke welcomed the outcome of the case, which he said was an "appalling litany of crimes carried out against an extremely vulnerable woman".

"Put simply, this was an inhumane way to treat anyone. Her basic human rights were stolen from her by people who can only be described as evil," he said.

"What she went through is unimaginable and any right minded person will be horrified to hear about the suffering this victim endured at the hands of these cruel people.

"It doesn’t bear thinking about what this victim endured over the thousands of days she was kept prisoner."

Mr Clarke outlined the abused suffered by the woman and also paid tribute to those who worked on the case.

"Although it pales to insignificance in comparison to what this victim was forced to endure for years, this has been a difficult, challenging and emotional case for the officers involved," he said.

"We worked closely with the Public Prosecution Service to build a strong case and I am glad we brought the case to a conclusion for the victim today."

The couple pleaded guilty to sexual activity involving penetration and causing a person with a mental disorder to engage in sexual activity while Keith Baker was also charged with rape and indecent assault.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Caroline Baker was also charged with aiding and abetting rape and other sexual offences including indecent assault.

She sentenced to three years with 18 months' early release under licence.