Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Child sex abuse probe: Survivor claims police 'stood guard' while politician assaulted her

The woman believes that among the people who assaulted her were a politician, a Lord and a judge

Roisin O'Connor
Tuesday 26 May 2015 08:18 EDT
Esther Baker, 32, spoke to Sky News about sexual abuse she suffered as a child
Esther Baker, 32, spoke to Sky News about sexual abuse she suffered as a child (Sky News/Screen shot)

A woman has spoken of how uniformed police officers allegedly "stood guard" while a politician sexually assaulted her as a young girl.

Waiving her right to anonymity, Esther Baker, 32, told Sky News that she was abused at various locations by different men in Staffordshire.

She believes that among the people who assaulted her were a politician, a Lord and a judge, and described the political figure as "one of the core members".

"He was in there quite often – I was one of his favourites," she said. "I used to play the piano and he was quite taken with that… there were different houses."

Staffordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said officers were in the "early stages" of investigating the case and were interviewing Baker.

"We are determined to thoroughly gather any evidence which will allow us to bring those who may have been involved to justice, while taking a sensitive approach to supporting the victim throughout."

Police have investigated 1,433 suspects in their probe into alleged historic child abuse allegations against VIPs, including politicians, celebrities and institutions in Britain.

Operation Hydrant, set up by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), revealed the figures last week, among which are 261 people of "public prominence".

Of these figures, 135 are in the television, radio of film industry, 76 were listed as politicians, 43 are from the music industry and seven were involved in sport.

Anyone with concerns about a child or seeking advice can contact the NSPCC for free 24 hours a day, by calling 0808 800 5000, or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in