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Politician denies Esther Baker sexual abuse claims | |
(about 14 hours later) | |
A politician who was questioned by police over allegations of sexual abuse has denied the claims against him. | |
The 55-year-old confirmed he was interviewed under caution by Staffordshire Police over an inquiry prompted by Esther Baker. | |
Ms Baker, who waived her right to anonymity, said she was sexually abused as a girl in the 1980s and 90s, and named the man as one of her abusers. | |
Staffordshire Police said the man had not been arrested. | Staffordshire Police said the man had not been arrested. |
The politician, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "public campaigning" by Labour MPs over "unproven allegations" had led to him being interviewed. | |
"My children are the victim of this latest witch-hunt by Labour MPs who have no concern about the effects of their campaign on real people," he said. | |
'Nothing to lose' | 'Nothing to lose' |
He added: "I am not critical of the police. The police have got to investigate. They are put in a very difficult situation." | |
Police confirmed the man had been questioned by detectives on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation. | |
Ms Baker said she and other children had been taken to the countryside in Cannock Chase and raped. | |
She also claimed uniformed police officers were present during some of her ordeals. | |
Speaking to Sky News in May, Ms Baker said: "I have hid it for 20 years, that has not worked, that hasn't taken the fear away - I have got nothing to lose any more." | |
In May, Staffordshire's Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: "To be clear, regardless of role, anyone who has been involved in criminal offences will be investigated to provide justice for the victim." | In May, Staffordshire's Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: "To be clear, regardless of role, anyone who has been involved in criminal offences will be investigated to provide justice for the victim." |
While Ms Baker has allowed her name to be used in the public domain, Mr Drake stressed victims of any form of sexual abuse would have their anonymity protected. |
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