A former special constable jailed in 2017 for trying to engage in sexual online chat with a child is back behind bars after he flouted a court order.
Jack Baxter, now aged 27, was on duty as a trained police volunteer when he committed the underlying crimes by engaging in sexual interaction with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. These came to light as he was caught in an online sting.
He was arrested in November 2016, as part of an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary’s online child abuse investigation team. At the time he had been based in the force’s west division, which covers Morecambe, Fleetwood and Blackpool.
In October, 2017, a Preston Crown Court judge imposed an immediate 15-month jail term after Baxter admitted two offences of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, and misconduct in public office.
That sentencing prompted a senior Lancashire police officer to say that Baxter not only disgraced his own reputation but tarnished that of the vast majority of officers and staff.
As part of his punishment Baxter — previously of Ulverston and Manchester, and latterly of Highgate, Kendal — was made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which imposed strict restrictions on his online activities.
But Baxter was back in the dock in 2019 for unlawful possession of electronic equipment as he sought to contact females using social media. As a result he was ordered to complete 24 months’ rehabilitation work under probation service supervision.
However, he again failed to keep out of trouble and twice in October last year unlawfully deleted web history after using the male-only Grindr social media site.
“The defendant was interviewed on his arrest,” prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon. “He said he used the [Grindr] app because he was looking for friends.”
Anthony Parkinson, defending, said the latest offending had not involved him coming into contact with females in a way which the order was designed to prevent.
Baxter had previously studied criminology at university in Lancaster and then obtained the position of a special constable with a view, said Mr Parkinson, of him joining the force.
Personal trauma had made it a difficult and challenging time for Baxter. “It appears he still needs some degree of support in relation to his mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Mr Parkinson.
But Judge Nicholas Barker noted the probation service had found it difficult to support a community sanction given the previous breaches and attempts to rehabilitate him.
“It is a deliberate breach,” said Judge Barker of the latest offence. “I am at one with the observations of the probation officer that there cannot really (currently) be a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”
The judge imposed an immediate six-month prison sentence. The 10-year order will continue to run its course.
