CLAYTON TAYLOR/MCLEOD'S CRIMINAL PAST IN BLACKPOOL AND RIBBLETON: FAILED BID TO LIFT BAN ON POLICE GEAR

In July 2013, a convicted child sex offender with a troubling history of impersonating law enforcement officials attempted to challenge a court order that restricted his possession of high visibility jackets and radios. The individual, known as Clayton Taylor, who previously went by the name Miller McLeod, has been linked to a series of disturbing offenses involving the deception of young people by dressing as a police officer and subsequently assaulting them.

The legal proceedings took place before District Judge Pamela Baldwin, who carefully considered Taylor’s request to modify the existing restrictions. The judge ultimately decided that Taylor could only possess such items if they were used in the context of legitimate employment, such as working on a construction site, rather than for any illicit purpose.

At the age of 21, Taylor, residing on Tunbridge Street in Ribbleton, Preston, had previously been subjected to a court order following his actions in Blackpool. The order was accompanied by a six-month suspended jail sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses. His criminal conduct included posing as a police officer in Blackpool, where he committed two separate assaults.

During these incidents, Taylor was equipped with a stab vest, a police utility belt, handcuffs, and a radio, which he used to facilitate his impersonation and commit acts of violence. One of the most egregious offenses involved handcuffing and sexually assaulting a young boy on a playing field in 2008.

Prosecutor Chris Keogh from Lancashire Police emphasized the significance of the radios, stating, “The radios were used by Taylor – then known as Miller McLeod – to enable him to commit offences. They allowed him to indulge in this sort of misbehavior impersonating a police officer.”

In response, Judge Baldwin underscored the importance of maintaining the restrictions, asserting, “There is a need for this order to remain to protect the public from sexual harm.”

At the time of reporting, Taylor was not available for comment at his residence, leaving the community and authorities to remain vigilant against the potential risks posed by individuals with such a criminal background.