Woman to Face Trial Over Charges of Making False Sexual Abuse Claims
Esther Baker has been formally charged with four counts of perverting the course of justice and will stand trial next year over allegations that she made false sexual abuse claims against former politicians and public figures.
Court Appearance and Trial Date Set
The 43-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, where she spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth. Baker, of Bridgeford Avenue in West Derby, Liverpool, was wearing a black blazer and had long brown hair during her appearance in the dock.
A substantial trial lasting six to eight weeks has been scheduled to begin on March 22, 2027. Baker was released on unconditional bail ahead of a further hearing scheduled for June 19 of this year.
The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, addressed Baker directly during the hearing, stating: "Esther Baker, I am going to adjourn this matter now. We have fixed a date for trial, the 22nd of March next year. I will renew your bail on the same terms as previously. The next date for you is the 19th of June. You are now free to go."
Details of the Allegations
The charges against Baker relate to serious allegations she is accused of fabricating against prominent public figures:
- False allegations of abuse against former Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, John Hemming
- False allegations against the late Lib Dem peer and former Labour Home Secretary Roy Jenkins, who represented multiple constituencies including Southwark, Birmingham Stechford and Glasgow Hillhead
- False implication of Simon Cole, the former chief constable of Leicestershire Police who died in 2022, as having aided or abetted sexual offences against her
- False claims that she was a victim of abuse by men in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, as well as other outdoor locations, private houses and unknown places
The charges cover a significant period between December 31, 2014 and September 19, 2020, representing nearly six years of alleged false claims.
CPS Statement on the Decision to Prosecute
Malcolm McHaffie, of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime division, provided context about the decision to bring charges in this sensitive case. In a statement issued when Baker was charged last month, he explained: "We have decided to prosecute Esther Baker with four counts of perverting the course of justice. These charges are brought following an extensive investigation into the claims made by the defendant in the original investigation into alleged organised child sexual abuse by public figures."
He emphasised the careful consideration given to such cases, stating: "Any decision to prosecute someone who has made sexual abuse allegations is not taken lightly and is only pursued where we believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove that the allegations are false, that they were maliciously made, and that it is in the public interest to prosecute. We have worked closely with Staffordshire Police as they carried out their investigation."
The case represents a significant legal development in matters concerning allegations of sexual abuse against public figures, highlighting the balance between supporting genuine victims of abuse while addressing potentially malicious false claims that can damage reputations and undermine public confidence in genuine allegations.
