Paedophile Caught After 120-Mile Trip to Abuse Child
Lance Baynes, 48, formerly of Cedar Close in Walsall, was arrested at Sutton Scotney Services on 21 August after travelling 120 miles with plans to abuse a child. Unbeknownst to him, the man he arranged to meet was part of a covert police operation.
Baynes arrived armed with restraints, sex toys, and lubricant, ready to carry out a horrific sexual assault on what he thought was an 8-year-old child.
Disturbing Evidence Found on Devices
Police seized Baynes’s electronic devices, uncovering that he ran an account where indecent images of children were swapped among offenders. Investigators found:
- 1,430 indecent or extreme images of children
- Active sexual conversations with a 13-year-old
The Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) and SEROCU worked closely on the complex case.
Eight Years Locked Up for Sick Offender
Baynes pleaded guilty to ten heinous charges, including:
- Arranging the rape of a child under 13
- Making and possessing indecent images of children
- Distributing indecent images
- Encouraging others to commit crimes
On 22 December, he was sentenced to eight years behind bars, followed by four years on licence.
“Prior to his arrest Lance Baynes had been planning to commit an atrocious offence against what he believed was an 8-year-old,” said DC Steve Hill of Hampshire’s ICAT. “He is a dangerous offender, and I hope his sentencing reassures the public.”
“This was a complex investigation. Thanks to SEROCU for their vital support. We take all sexual offence reports seriously and will do everything to protect vulnerable people.”
Get Help or Report Abuse
If you have been affected by child abuse or have information, contact police on 101.
- Child Line: 0800 11 11
- NSPCC (for adult survivors): 0808 800 5000
Don’t stay silent. Help protect children from predators.
