KENNETH TAYLOR FROM NEWCASTLE CAUGHT OFFERING BOY CASH FOR SEXUAL ACT IN CHICHESTER

In a disturbing incident that took place in Newcastle, a 44-year-old man named Kenneth Taylor was involved in an alarming attempt to solicit a young boy for sexual activity in exchange for money. The incident unfolded after Taylor followed a 13-year-old boy from a Metro train traveling from Hebburn to Chichester on the evening of November 22 of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, Taylor had been fixated on the young passenger during the train journey. Prosecutor Neil Pallister described how, as the train entered dark tunnels and shadowed areas, the boy became aware of a male individual repeatedly staring at him. The boy, who was seated approximately four feet away from Taylor, noticed that the man kept looking in his direction, which made him uncomfortable.

After the train arrived at Chichester station, Taylor continued to follow the boy as he disembarked. The situation escalated when Taylor approached the young boy near a back lane, where he explicitly offered him five pounds in exchange for engaging in a sexual act. The boy, understandably frightened, managed to flee the scene unharmed and confided in his mother about the encounter.

The following day, the boy's mother accompanied him to the Metro station, where he was able to identify Taylor. Law enforcement was promptly involved, and Taylor was subsequently located and identified. He was taken into custody and brought before Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

At the hearing, it was revealed that Taylor is currently detained under the Mental Health Act in a psychiatric hospital, as he is suffering from mental health issues that may have influenced his actions. The court was informed of his mental health condition, which played a role in the legal proceedings.

Judge Esmond Faulks addressed Taylor directly, stating, “It seems to me hospital is the appropriate place for you at the moment to get the treatment you need.” The judge then sentenced Taylor to a community order for three years, with the stipulation that he undergo psychiatric treatment and remain under supervision. Additionally, Taylor is required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years and has been disqualified from working with children for the rest of his life, reflecting the severity of his actions and the court’s concern for public safety.