ANDREW TAYLOR SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCE ATTEMPT
In May 2016, a man from Oxford, Andrew Taylor, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with a young girl he believed to be just 11 or 12 years old.The case was heard at Oxford Crown Court, where it was revealed that Taylor, aged 55, had engaged in online communications with a man who claimed to have a granddaughter of the same age.
Taylor expressed eagerness to meet the girl and even mentioned his anticipation of having fun with her, according to court records.
Authorities acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about Taylor's online activity.
Police raided his residence on Barton Village Road in Oxford and seized his Acer laptop and Blackberry mobile phone.
A subsequent investigation uncovered 14 indecent images of children stored on his laptop, alongside messages on his phone indicating his attempt to arrange a meeting with the young girl.
The messages detailed Taylor's discussions with the man offering to facilitate the encounter, with Taylor stating he could not wait to meet the girl and engage in sexual activity.
Prosecutor John Upton explained that Taylor had been communicating with an individual who claimed to be the girl's grandfather, and Taylor had expressed his desire to have fun with her, believing she was of the appropriate age.
The police investigation confirmed that Taylor had been attempting to set up a sexual meeting with the minor, which constituted a serious offence.
During the hearing, it was disclosed that Taylor had previously been convicted in 2010 for making indecent images of children, and he had been given a community order at that time.
The current charges included possession of indecent images and attempting to arrange a child sex offence.
Initially, Taylor was scheduled for sentencing earlier in the month.
However, Judge Zoe Smith decided to delay the sentencing, citing compassion for his elderly father who relied on him for care.
The judge acknowledged that Taylor was the primary carer for his father and that his imprisonment would leave him without support.
Social services had been contacted to assess the needs of Taylor’s father, and arrangements were being made for his ongoing care, including visits from a neighbor if necessary.
Defense lawyer Timothy Boswell argued for a more lenient sentence, suggesting that Taylor had not actually met the girl and that her existence was uncertain.
He also highlighted Taylor’s willingness to participate in a two-year sex offender treatment program.
Despite these arguments, Judge Smith emphasized the gravity of Taylor’s actions, stating that attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity was a very serious offence warranting a custodial sentence.
The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order and mandated that Taylor register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
