A woman facing charges of perverting the course of justice by making false claims of sexual abuse against two former politicians has pleaded not guilty in court. Esther Baker, 43, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where she denied four charges related to allegations involving former Lib Dem MP John Hemming, deceased Lib Dem peer Roy Jenkins, and the late former chief constable of Leicestershire Police, Simon Cole.
Specific details of the accusations were not disclosed in court, but documents suggest that Baker falsely accused Hemming of committing sexual offenses against her. Similar claims were made regarding Jenkins, who passed away in 2003. Additionally, Baker is accused of fabricating statements about being a victim of sexual offenses by groups or males in various locations between December 2014 and September 2020.
During the court appearance, Baker’s solicitor, David Woods, stated that his client maintains the truthfulness of the accusations. District Judge Timothy Boswell granted Baker unconditional bail, and she is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 11. The charges stem from a thorough investigation into allegations of organized sexual abuse by public figures.