TAXI DRIVER SEXUALLY ABUSED 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL AFTER PAYING HER TO CLEAN HIS FLAT
A taxi driver lured a 12-year-old girl with the promise of payment to clean his apartment, but instead sexually abused her.Robert Gwilliam's victim now sleeps under her bed to escape memories of the prolonged assaults he inflicted over several years.
The paedophile also took explicit photographs of her and gave her money in exchange.
At Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that the girl started visiting Gwilliam’s former residence in Widnes regularly, initially to perform cleaning tasks.
Prosecutor Louise McCloskey stated that the 67-year-old exploited this situation by grooming and abusing her.
Gwilliam, who now resides on Whitchurch Way in Runcorn, forced her into sexual acts and recorded her topless on his iPhone.
On one occasion, he told her to undress and placed coins on her naked body.
Despite her protests, he persisted, paying her up to £40 each visit.
The girl eventually confided in her PE teacher about the ongoing abuse.
Gwilliam pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault, incitement to engage in sexual activity with a child, two counts of attempting to do so, and taking indecent images.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison with an additional year on licence.
Judge David Swinnerton remarked that Gwilliam had led a seemingly respectable life until his mid-60s, and his later years would be marred by disgrace due to his serious offences.
The judge emphasized the psychological harm caused to the girl, including fear, anxiety, nightmares, and sleep issues.
While acknowledging Gwilliam’s apparent remorse, the judge noted that prison would be challenging for him.
The court also imposed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, a notification requirement, and a restraining order prohibiting contact with the girl until further notice.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
