MARK TAYLOR, SEX OFFENDER FROM COLCHESTER, FACES SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER DECEIVING POLICE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

In June 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Mark Taylor, a known sex offender who relocated to Colchester under false pretenses, seeking shelter and accommodation. Taylor, aged 60, had a troubling history of sexual offenses, including a conviction for grooming a child, which resulted in a 12-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years. Despite this, he moved to Colchester and was subject to strict legal obligations, including registering as a sex offender and informing authorities of his whereabouts.

However, Taylor's actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for these legal requirements. On March 19, he moved into a bed and breakfast on High Street without notifying police of his new address. Just five days later, on March 24, he absconded from the establishment without settling his bill, leaving behind a debt of £321 and property, including a newly issued bank card that had not been registered with authorities. These actions raised concerns about his intentions and compliance with the conditions of his release.

Further complicating his case, on April 21, Taylor, who was then described as having no fixed abode, moved into the Emmaus charity home on Magdalen Street, located next to the YMCA. During this process, he committed fraud by falsely claiming on a form that he was not a convicted sex offender, thereby attempting to conceal his criminal history. Additionally, he failed to inform police of his new residence and, during a subsequent visit to the Colchester police station, lied about his whereabouts.

Between these incidents, Taylor was involved in multiple breaches of his legal obligations. On April 28, he admitted to six new offenses, including the breaches of his suspended sentence, which was a serious violation of the law. The prosecution clarified that these breaches were not committed with the intent to facilitate further sexual offenses but were primarily driven by his urgent need for shelter and stability.

During the court proceedings, Caroline Woodley, representing Taylor, explained that he had experienced homelessness intermittently since his divorce in the late 1980s and had been battling depression. She also highlighted his health issues, including eight instances of prostrate cancer and mental health struggles, and noted that he had previously served as a driver for the Army before being discharged on medical grounds. Her argument was that Taylor’s primary motivation was to secure accommodation rather than to reoffend.

Judge Emma Peters addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of Taylor’s offenses. She stated, “You were convicted of a serious offence, a sexual offence, all of this is to your great shame. The police need to know where you are so they can exercise their duty to protect children, in your case.” The judge imposed a fine of £100 for breaching the original suspended sentence and handed down a second suspended sentence for the new offenses. Taylor was sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work, repay the B&B for the unpaid bill, and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

Despite these measures, Taylor remains without permanent accommodation. Judge Peters concluded by warning him, “I am giving you a chance. Breach the sentence and you are going to come back before me.” The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and managing convicted sex offenders, especially those who attempt to evade legal obligations through deception and manipulation.