Sergeant jailed over under-age sex

Baker was also ordered to register as a sex offender

An army sergeant who smuggled a 13-year-old girl into his barracks for sex has been jailed for 15 months and discharged from the forces.

Michael Baker, 40, hid the girl under a blanket to get her into Allanbrooke Barracks in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Baker, who is originally from Hereford, was caught after the girl's family discovered explicit letters he had written to her.

He had denied the 15-year-old's story, but the jury accepted prosecution claims that the letters were his "fantasy plans" for the girl.

Judge John Walford, sentencing, said: "From reports I have read you seem to have distorted views on the appropriateness of sex with under-age girls.

Apology over actions

He added: "You allowed yourself to seek sexual gratification from a girl young enough to be your daughter."

Tim Roberts, defending, said that Baker's wife had divorced him over the affair.

He added: "He wanted to apologise for his behaviour, he wishes he could turn the clock back and that there are no lasting ill-effects to her."

Baker, of 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, told Teeside Crown Court the girl developed a crush on him and pursued him with letters.

He had claimed his letters were "deliberately over the top" in a bid to scare her off - but they failed.

Sex offender

The veteran of 22 years service, said the girl told him she was 16 and he drove her twice to his barracks with the intention of putting her off.

The 15-year-old told the court that Baker had smuggled her in under a blanket in the back of his car and that they had sex 20 times.

He denied her claims.

Baker, of Racecourse Mews, Thirsk, was found guilty of six charges of having under-age sex between November 2001 and July 2002 - when the girl was 13 and 14.

Baker was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

An army spokesman said: "The court made its decision and as a consequence of his actions he is now being discharged."