ARTHUR WAITE FROM TAUNTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRLS AND FILMING CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Taunton, Arthur Waite, a man with a previously unblemished record, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for heinous crimes involving two underage girls. The offences, which took place between 2004 and 2005, included sexual assault and the production of explicit videos, with Waite actively grooming and exploiting the young victims over an extended period.

Waite, a former volunteer at a local church and a man who had served in the armed forces for six years, was apprehended after a routine photography shop visit led to the discovery of incriminating evidence. When the shop staff noticed suspicious activity, they alerted authorities, who subsequently uncovered three videotapes hidden in a carrier bag concealed within a hedge outside Waite’s residence on Eastleigh Road. These tapes contained a compilation of 34 scenes depicting Waite engaging in sexual acts with the two girls, aged 13 and 15. The videos were produced into a montage, and police found a static camera positioned on top of a wardrobe in Waite’s master bedroom, indicating premeditation and deliberate recording.

Further investigation revealed that Waite had been grooming the girls over a period of time, manipulating them into accepting his sexual advances. Evidence showed that he spent money on the victims and bought them clothes, fostering a relationship of trust that he later exploited. The court heard that Waite also showed the younger girl pornographic videos and encouraged her to wear provocative clothing, further demonstrating his manipulative behavior.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Ian Dixey, detailed how Waite’s actions constituted a grave breach of trust and a gross violation of the young girls’ innocence. The offences were committed while the victims were left in Waite’s care on multiple occasions, highlighting the betrayal of responsibility and the severity of his misconduct. The police investigation uncovered the videos after a tip-off from the photography shop staff, leading to Waite’s arrest and subsequent charges.

Waite, who pleaded guilty to nine charges including rape, appeared in Taunton Crown Court, where he was visibly ashamed as he was led into the courtroom. His defense lawyer, Lawrence Wilcox, emphasized Waite’s previous good character, noting his service in the military, his work as a driver, and his involvement in charity work overseas with the church and the Royal British Legion. Wilcox also mentioned that Waite, a father of two and a grandfather, had attempted suicide on September 1 of the previous year, shortly after proceedings against him began.

Judge Stephen O’Malley sentenced Waite to seven years in prison, with a further three years on licence, meaning he will be released into the community under strict conditions. The court also imposed a sexual offences prevention order and ordered Waite to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. The judge condemned Waite’s conduct, stating, “Your behaviour constituted a grave breach of trust. Instead of caring for these young people, you involved them in grossly indecent sexual activity over a period of time, the conduct taking place years before it should have normally happened.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Taunton, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation.