Opinion

Craigavon case exposes unspeakable depravity

Many people will find it difficult to comprehend the unspeakable depravity that took place in an ordinary house in Craigavon or the fact that it continued undetected over an eight year period.

This is a case that has caused widespread revulsion and shock, involving the prolonged sexual abuse of a vulnerable mentally disabled woman who was held captive in squalid conditions for many years.

Images have emerged of the room where this woman was imprisoned. They show a tiny, filthy room with no heat, light bulb, carpet or curtains and no handle on the inside of the door, so she could not escape.

There was a camera mounted on the ceiling which was used to film sexual assaults on the woman, who had been reported missing in England in 2004.

At the centre of this living hell was Keith Baker, who had brought the woman to Northern Ireland.

Described by the judge as a `Svengali figure' he also exerted control over his wife Caroline, whom he had met when they both worked for the Salvation Army, and a third woman who eventually alerted police and brought an end to Baker's evil reign.

Such a dreadful case inevitably raises serious questions for a number of statutory agencies, primarily how a woman with severe learning difficulties could have slipped so comprehensively through the net.

It is also chilling to think that in total eight children lived in this house while these vile activities went on.

But mainly the questions will focus on how it is possible that a man like Baker could hold a woman captive and engage in shocking rape and abuse over many years and not be discovered.

At Craigavon Crown Court he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his despicable crimes while his wife was given a three year term, with half to be served on licence, for aiding and abetting abuse.

It is horrifying to think that but for the actions of the woman who came forward to police, a defenceless victim's suffering may still be going on.