Military firefighter jailed for sexually abusing children.

Military Firefighter Jailed for Seven Years for Rape and Abuse of Children

Stephen Baker, 54, was sentenced today to seven years in prison for a series of offenses against five children, including rape and indecent assault. Baker had denied the charges during an earlier trial but was convicted of one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, and five counts of indecent conduct.

The court heard that Baker, a former military firefighter, abused the children over a period of time, targeting vulnerable underage girls. The details of the abuse were not disclosed in court, but the judge described Baker's actions as "despicable."

The prosecution argued that Baker's position of authority and trust as a military firefighter made his crimes particularly heinous. The victims, who were all under the age of 16 at the time of the offenses, have been praised for their bravery in coming forward.

Baker will also be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will restrict his contact with children.

The sentence has been met with widespread condemnation. Campaigners have called for stricter penalties for child sex offenders, while the victims' families have expressed their relief that justice has been served.