PAUL TAYLOR FROM LITTLE SAMPFORD SENT BACK TO JAIL FOR REPEATED SEX OFFENCES IN ESSEX

In a recent development in a series of disturbing criminal cases, Paul Taylor, a resident of Little Sampford, has been remanded back into custody following his involvement in further sexual offences. The 24-year-old man, who has a troubling history of predatory behavior towards minors, was brought before Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, July 12, where he faced serious charges related to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

According to court records, Taylor committed these offences between July and August of the previous year. His prior conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a minor had led to the imposition of the SOPO, which was designed to restrict his interactions with young girls and prevent further offending. However, evidence presented during the hearing indicated that Taylor had blatantly disregarded the conditions set out in the order.

Detective Constable Mark Harrington, the officer leading the investigation, emphasized the severity of Taylor’s actions. He stated, “Taylor is a prolific offender and a predatory individual when it comes to young teenage girls. The only logical sentence was a significant term in prison. Hopefully while in prison he will have every opportunity to engage in a programme of rehabilitation.”

As a result of his violations, Taylor was sentenced to one year in prison for breaching the SOPO. Additionally, he received a further three-year sentence for two counts of sexual activity with a child. The court also imposed a lifetime SOPO with enhanced conditions, reflecting the ongoing concern about his risk to the community.

Prior to these recent offences, Taylor’s criminal record includes a conviction from July 2010, when he was sentenced to two years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with underage girls. At that time, Taylor, then aged 20, was found guilty of having sexual relations with two girls aged under 16 between 2007 and 2009. The case was further complicated by a Chlamydia outbreak, which prompted a police investigation that ultimately led to Taylor’s arrest, although he was not identified as the source of the infection.

During the 2010 trial, Judge Christopher Ball described Taylor’s conduct as exploitative and opportunistic, noting that he had “charmed” the young girls, aged 14 and 15, and that they appeared to have gone along with his advances willingly. The court heard that Taylor was 18 and 19 at the time of the offences. His defense argued that the girls were sexually active and had consented, but the judge emphasized the serious and damaging nature of Taylor’s actions. He was sentenced to 18 months for the offence involving the 14-year-old girl and an additional six months for assaulting the older girl, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Furthermore, Taylor was ordered to serve his time in a young offenders’ institution and was mandated to register as a sex offender for ten years. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order was also issued to restrict his future conduct. Throughout the investigation, Taylor maintained his innocence, claiming that he only kissed and hugged the girls and that he only had sex with one of them after she turned 16.

Detective Constable Lorraine Weston, who led the investigation, expressed her acknowledgment of the victims’ bravery. She stated, “I would like to acknowledge the victims of this crime who have been subjected to a heinous sexual offence. The victims have shown themselves to be honest and very courageous girls during a very difficult and lengthy investigation where they were subjected to a very intrusive examination of their lives. The victims have had outstanding support from their parents who have not only had to support their daughters but to deal with the ordeal of knowing their children have been subjected to this awful offence.”