2009: Jailed: taxi driver who was risk to young girls

2009: JAILED: TAXI DRIVER WHO WAS RISK TO YOUNG GIRLS

A 47-year-old taxi driver considered a significant threat to girls aged nine to 14 has been sentenced to serve time as a dangerous offender after admitting to multiple sexual crimes.

Judge Alistair McCreath delivered sentences at Worcester Crown Court, stating that the measures would safeguard the community for the next two decades.

Paul Dutton, from Shepherds Close, Droitwich, will serve a 12-year prison term and remain on licence as a registered sex offender for an additional eight years.

He confessed to charges including rape, indecency with a child, and engaging in sexual activities with a minor.

The court issued a sexual offences prevention order preventing Dutton from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18.

He is also barred from employment involving children and is required to register as a sex offender for life.

According to prosecutor Paul Whitfield, police arrested Dutton following a complaint from one girl to her mother, with further allegations surfacing after another girl was interviewed.

Dutton reportedly told authorities, “I’ve fallen in love the wrong way.” He promptly confessed to the offences, although his legal representatives emphasized that he is not someone with a pattern of seeking out young girls or cruising streets for victims.

Dutton was described as a hardworking individual who supports his family and is known for being kind and helpful.

He has expressed remorse, and his wife is supportive.

The judge acknowledged Dutton’s guilty pleas and noted that his actions involved grooming and emotional blackmail, marking him as a clear threat to young girls.

The imposed sentences will ensure community protection until Dutton is nearly 70 years old.