BERNARD TAYLOR FROM LONDONDERRY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a case that spanned decades and crossed borders, Bernard Taylor, a 73-year-old man originally from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl in Cambridgeshire during the 1980s. The disturbing details of the case reveal a prolonged period of abuse that lasted for approximately eight years, during which Taylor targeted a schoolgirl in Peterborough.

According to reports, Taylor’s abuse persisted until the girl reached her teenage years, at which point he attempted to commit a rape. The full extent of the crimes only emerged publicly in 2018 when the victim, now an adult, confided in someone she trusted about her traumatic past. This revelation prompted a police investigation that eventually led to Taylor’s arrest and subsequent trial.

At the time of the investigation, Taylor was residing at Lisnamon Court in Londonderry. During police interviews, he provided a prepared statement denying any involvement in the abuse. He insisted that his victim was lying and vehemently denied any sexual attraction to children at any point in his life. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court was compelling.

In November, Taylor faced trial at Norwich Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, as well as one count of attempting to rape a woman over the age of 16. The verdict marked a significant moment of justice for the victim and underscored the importance of perseverance in uncovering long-hidden crimes.

On Wednesday, March 9, Taylor was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison. His sentence comprises a 17-year custodial term, with an additional year on licence, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Furthermore, Taylor was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future offenses.