September 2016
Former teacher jailed for child abduction & abuse images
A former teacher has been jailed for abducting and taking indecent images of a child.
Carlisle Crown Court heard 57-year-old Gary Baum, previously a man of “positive good character”, had “lost everything” by committing three offences.
These were child abduction, on 9th December, 2015, along with taking and making indecent images of the same child over the course of several months last year.
Baum and the girl had exchanged innuendo-laden texts and indecent images – some featuring sexual poses
Baum, from Penruddock near Penrith, was sentenced today having entered guilty pleas to the charges earlier this month.
Judge Barbara Forrester heard Baum initially lied and was deceitful when his illegal acts were investigated by police.
His criminal conduct was said to have “devastated” his victim’s family.
Judge Forrester admitted she had considered whether an eight-month prison term could be suspended.
“But I have come to the conclusion that this is so serious that the sentence should be served immediately,” the judge told him.
Baum must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and will be subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.
His case will also be reported to the independent safeguarding authorities.
