March 2006 Pervert Jailed For Attack On Girl, 5 A PENDLE MAN who sexually attacked a five-year-old girl he became attracted to has been jailed for six years. Cuthbert Taylor (54), simulated intercourse with the little girl, committed a sex act on her, and encouraged her to strip naked. She later complained to her mother about his conduct, Burnley Crown Court heard. Taylor, who recently chose to try to take his life rather than face a jail term, had “distorted attitudes” over what had happened, the court heard. Sentencing, Judge Pamela Badley told the defendant it might be that work could be done with him in prison. The defendant, originally charged with raping the victim, admitted assault by penetration and sexual activity with a child. He had originally pleaded not guilty to the charges but owned up before a jury was shown the little girl talking to police and cuddling her teddy bear. Taylor, of Fir Street, Nelson, was put on the Sex Offenders Register for life and banned from working with children. He has already been made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, prohibiting him from having contact with youngsters under 17. June Morris (prosecuting) told the court the offences came to light in June last year when the girl’s mother was preparing her for bed. The child said she did not want a bath and her mother took her to the bedroom and asked what the problem was. The child said the defendant had told her not to say anything, but had been touching her and committed a sex act on her. Miss Morris said police were called and when a doctor examined the little girl, she found evidence of trauma. Taylor was arrested last June. He denied touching the child sexually and when charged with the offences, he replied: “Not guilty”. Mr Wayne Goldstein (defending) said the offences were undoubtedly serious and the defendant was fully aware that custody would follow. He said when Taylor first met the child, he did not have ulterior motives, but he became attracted to her. He did not threaten her or offer bribes and the girl was not injured. At the time the little girl was video interviewed by police, she did not appear traumatised by what happened, but she did not realise the significance of what happened to her. Mr Goldstein said: “These are cases in which guilty pleas are often not forthcoming. Quite simply he could not accept what he had done. “He felt the utmost shame for what he had done and simply couldn’t face up to it. “It was on being confronted with the video evidence played for him that he immediately accepted his responsibility with no reservations or conditions.” The barrister said Taylor showed remorse to the girl and to his family, who would be affected by what he had done. Mr Goldstein went on: “He is thoroughly disgusted with what he has done and wishes to say in the strongest possible terms how sorry he is.” Mr Goldstein added that the defendant had tried to kill himself because he did not know if he would be able to cope with prison and thought that was the only way out. He added: “He accepts he has a problem. This matter is a blight on his life.”