Man jailed for travelling to Hampshire to commit 'atrocious offence' against eight-year-old girl

Lance Baynes, formerly of Cedar Close in Walsall, was arrested at Sutton Scotney Services after travelling 120 miles with the intent of abusing a child on August 21.

During hearings at Winchester Crown Court, the court how he had arranged to meet another man to carry out the offending and arrived with restraints, sex toys, and lubricant – unaware that the meeting was part of a police operation.

His electronic devices were seized and he was found to be sharing indecent images of children with other offenders, with Baynes possessing 1,430 indecent or extreme images.

He was also communicating sexually with a 13-year-old girl.

Now, Baynes has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to arranging the rape of a child under 13 year old, making and distributing indecent images of children, possessing extreme indecent images, and encouraging an offender to commit an indictable offence.

The sentence follows a complex investigation between the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) and South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), according to detective constable Steve Hill, of ICAT.

Det Con Hill said: ‘Prior to his arrest Lance Baynes had been planning to commit an atrocious offence against what he believed was an eight-year-old girl. He is a dangerous offender, and I hope his sentencing reassures the public.

‘This was a complex and difficult investigation, and I would like to thank our colleagues at SEROCU for their assistance in bringing this case to justice.

‘We take all reports of sexual offending very seriously, and will do anything in our power to bring those responsible to justice and to protect vulnerable people from such predators.’

SEE ALSO: Two Hampshire attackers jailed for attempted murder after victim was stabbed 34 times

Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse, or has any information about this type of abuse, is encouraged to contact police on 101.

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11.

If the call is regarding an adult who has been affected, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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