Thame man jailed after ten years of sexual abuse against a child

FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man from Thame has been jailed after being found guilty of a number of sex offences against a child.

After a seven-day trial at Oxford Crown Court in November, Damien Baker, aged 39, of Youens Drive in Thame, was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault on a girl and two counts of rape of a girl.

He returned to the same court on Thursday (13/12) and was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment with and additional one year extended licence period at the end of his prison sentence.

Baker was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The victim, was sexually abused as a child over a 10 year period.

Baker was originally arrested on April 7, 2016, and following a lengthy investigation, he was charged with the offences on March 5, 2018.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jenny Hanks of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, based at Cowley police station, said: “This has been a long and complex investigation, and is testimony to the bravery and the courage I have witnessed from both the victim and witnesses in this case.

“I would also like to thank our partner agencies, particularly Oxfordshire Social Services, in the work and support that they have offered throughout.

“As a result of this verdict, a predatory and dangerous sex offender is now off the streets.

“I hope that this sentence will finally bring at least some comfort to the victim.

“Thames Valley Police will continue to support victims of sexual abuse and I would encourage anybody who are victims to come forward and report this to us.”