ELDERLY TAXI DRIVER ADMITS TO STALKING COUPLE AFTER PAST SEX OFFENCE
John Willox, a 78-year-old former taxi driver with no prior convictions until the age of 72, was placed on the sex offenders register in 2017 after sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in his taxi.Recently, he appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court admitting to stalking a couple in Ellon by repeatedly driving past their home, slowing down, and staring into their living room window over an eight-month period.
This intimidating behavior caused significant worry and concern to the couple, who have young children.
The court heard that Willox's actions included driving slowly past their house at different times of the day and even moving his vehicle to get closer while staring into their living room.
The female partner of the couple reported feeling alarmed by this pattern of behavior, which led to the police arrest and charge.
Willox pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct designed to cause fear and alarm by appearing outside the couple’s residence.
Regarding his past, Willox's solicitor, Gregor Kelly, informed the court that his client has one previous conviction of a sexual nature, which resulted from sexual abuse of a pupil while he was a taxi driver responsible for transporting children.
The offence involved touching a pupil sexually between August 2015 and June 2016.
Following that conviction, Willox was put on the sex offenders register.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of his recent actions and the concern it raised, especially given his age.
Sheriff Shelagh McCall sentenced him to a community payback order, including 120 hours of unpaid work, instead of prison.
The judge expressed her concern over the escalation of his offending in his 70s and the alarming nature of his behavior.
