DAMIAN PERCIVAL OF WIDNES SEX OFFENDER JUDGE SAYS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE A TAXI LICENSE

In July 2003, a taxi driver from Widnes, Damien Percival, was declared a sex offender and received a community rehabilitation order after being convicted of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred after Percival, 40 years old and residing on Mond Road, was involved in an incident where he engaged in sexual activity with a girl who was intoxicated.

During sentencing at Warrington Crown Court, Judge David Hale stated, “I would hope Percival never gets his taxi licence back, he doesn’t deserve one,” emphasizing the serious nature of his actions.

Prosecutor Andrew Thomas explained that the girl informed Percival she was only 14, although the prosecution accepted she had told him she was 18 and that the encounter was consensual.

The court recounted that the girl, originally from Widnes, had been drinking and smoking cannabis with a friend at a house in Hough Green before being picked up by Percival around 1:40 a.m. After dropping off her friend, Percival took the girl to a car park following some suggestive “sexual banter.”

Percival reportedly asked for a Christmas kiss, after which they moved to the back seat of the car, where they engaged in sexual activity. The girl later told police she had gone along with it because she was drunk.

Judge Hale described Percival's behavior as “taking advantage in a predatory way of a woman you thought was drunk,” condemning his actions as “totally morally reprehensible,” especially given his profession and age. However, he clarified, “I’m not here to sentence you for that.”

In addition to the community order, Percival was ordered to register as a sex offender.