KENNETH TAYLOR JAILED FOR ABUSING 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MELKSHAM

In May 2004, Kenneth Taylor, a convicted paedophile, was sentenced to five years in prison after a court heard how he systematically abused an 11-year-old girl. The 39-year-old was found to have carried out repeated sexual assaults on the young girl over a nine-month period, including an incident where he attempted to rape her.

Police raids at Taylor’s home revealed a handwritten price list indicating how much he would pay his young victim for engaging in sexual acts. Authorities also discovered a collection of indecent images of the girl stored on his computer and camera phone, alongside other inappropriate images downloaded from the internet.

Prosecutor Michael Longman explained to Swindon Crown Court that the abuse came to light when the girl began acting strangely at school. She confided in a family member about what had happened, leading to Taylor’s arrest. According to the court, the girl reported that Taylor touched her, expressed desires to perform certain acts, and took pictures of her using both his camera and mobile phone. He also used sex toys on her and offered her money for sexual acts and to pose for photographs.

Mr. Longman detailed the evidence found, stating, “Among the items discovered were two notebooks. One contained what appeared to be text messages from the girl. Most of these messages were simply her abuse directed at him, which he accepted writing out himself. Another page bore the girl’s name followed by the words ‘points table,’ which appeared connected to payment for sexual favors.”

He further explained that the points table started with a notation like ‘1P touch B through C,’ believed to represent a fee of £1 for touching her breast over clothing, escalating to charges for taking pictures and performing sex acts.

Kenneth Taylor, of Mendip Close, Melksham, pleaded guilty to attempted rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and nine charges of taking or making indecent images. The prosecution noted that these charges represented patterns of abuse, with some counts serving as specimens.

Defense lawyer Stephen Mooney acknowledged his client’s full acceptance of the responsibility and predicted a lengthy custodial sentence. He emphasized, “There was never a question of a trial where the victim would have to give evidence. Taylor bears full responsibility for his actions. Some might claim ‘The child led me on,’ but that is not the case here. He knows what he did was terribly wrong and recognizes he has a significant problem that must be addressed.”

He added, “His life has fallen apart since these events. His wife has left him, and he will live with the stigma as a pariah.”

Sentencing Judge John McNaught described the crimes as “a terrible series of offences,” noting Taylor’s previously good character. The judge declared that Taylor’s reputation would now be irrevocably affected. In addition to the five-year prison term, he will serve a further three years on license upon release.

Judge McNaught stated, “I hope your time in prison will rehabilitate you. If it does not, I hope the time under license will serve that purpose.” Furthermore, Taylor will be required to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children.