Rowan Baker

A convicted paedophile serving time at HMP Bure, a specialist sex offender prison near Coltishall in Norfolk, has been sentenced to an additional 12 months in jail after prison officers discovered a disturbing collection of sketches depicting naked and partially clothed children.

Rowan Baker, aged 28, was originally imprisoned following a 2020 conviction in Kent for two counts of sexual assault of a child, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child, and three counts of possessing indecent images. He received an extended sentence of 114 months for these child sex offences. While incarcerated at HMP Bure, a routine cell search in August 2023 uncovered around 380 drawings created by Baker, many featuring children under 18 in sexual poses, demonstrating his ongoing sexual interest in minors.

Norwich Crown Court heard during the trial, which began on 22 September 2024, that the sketches included explicit content such as a character from the Despicable Me animated film covered in semen and an island scene with Japanese writing translating to 'Pervert is my own island'. Prosecutor John Morgans emphasised that the drawings evidenced Baker's sexual gratification from the material. Baker was found guilty of three offences of possessing a prohibited image.

• The sketches were predominantly of naked or partially clothed men, women, and children.
• Many depicted children under 18, highlighting Baker's continued risk to children.
• Defence counsel Simon Gladwell argued that most drawings fell into the least serious category C, with no penetrative activity, and noted that creating them had delayed Baker's parole prospects.

Sentencing Baker on Thursday, Recorder Ed Renvoize described the offences as 'extremely serious', stating: 'It's quite clear you drew these images for your own sexual gratification.' He acknowledged the drawings were less severe than photographic images since no real children were involved but stressed they 'reference your ongoing danger to children'. In addition to the 12-month custodial sentence, Baker is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and remains on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

The case was reported by the Eastern Daily Press, with court proceedings at Norwich Crown Court. Baker, currently residing at HMP Bure, has a history of sexual offences against children, underscoring the seriousness of his repeated violations even while under custody.