DAVID TAYLOR JEKYLL AND HYDE CRICKET COACH FROM TRURO SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In August 2023, a disturbing case involving David Taylor, a cricket coach from Truro, has culminated in his imprisonment following a series of serious sexual offenses. Taylor, aged 61 and residing on Upland Crescent in Truro, appeared before Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after being found guilty of six counts of sexual assault against three women. The conviction came after a lengthy legal process that included a retrial, as Taylor had previously been convicted in 2021 for similar misconduct but was not sentenced at that time.

His earlier conviction involved inappropriate touching of a woman and a teenage girl without their consent. The media coverage surrounding that trial prompted additional victims to come forward, leading to a second trial that uncovered further allegations. The recent case revealed that Taylor engaged in inappropriate touching and kissing of three women, with one victim also subjected to exposure of his genitals. Shockingly, Taylor committed these acts openly, even in the presence of others, demonstrating a brazen disregard for boundaries and the law.

During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud on behalf of one of the women, who expressed her feelings of confusion and betrayal. She described how she initially did not recognize her experiences as inappropriate and recounted feelings of anger, stress, and physical and mental exhaustion resulting from her ordeal. Another victim delivered a powerful statement in person, sharing her complex emotions. She expressed relief, anxiety, sadness, and guilt, reflecting on her past admiration for Taylor as a coach and her involvement in cricket, which she described as a male-dominated sport with limited funding for women at the time.

This second victim also voiced her suspicion that Taylor deliberately positioned himself to gain access to young women, exploiting his role to satisfy his own sexual desires. She revealed that her experiences have left her with ongoing anxiety, especially in public spaces like Truro city centre, where she fears encountering him. Her primary hope is for justice and closure, and she emphasized the importance of safeguarding measures that allow women to participate in sports without fear of abuse.

Representing Taylor, solicitor Jason Beal, stated that his client continues to deny any wrongdoing and highlighted the toll the legal process has taken on his health. Beal described Taylor as a hardworking individual who has maintained his employment despite the allegations.

Judge Simon Carr, presiding over the case, addressed the court with a stern message. He acknowledged Taylor’s reputation as a respected cricket coach in Cornwall, noting that many still speak highly of him despite the allegations. The judge described Taylor’s personality as a “Jekyll and Hyde” character—an individual who was both an exceptional coach and a sexual predator. The judge emphasized that Taylor’s abuse occurred within a cricket setting, targeting young women who saw the sport as a vital part of their lives. The victims explained that they hesitated to speak out, fearing disbelief and the loss of their passion for cricket, which made the betrayal even more devastating.

Judge Carr pointed out that Taylor exploited his position for sexual gratification, often escalating his actions even when others were nearby. The psychological impact on the victims was profound, with many feeling compelled to remain silent to preserve their involvement in cricket or face losing everything they valued. Taylor’s denial of the allegations and lack of remorse were also noted, with the judge condemning his conduct as that of a sexual predator operating over a significant period and against multiple victims.

Taylor was sentenced to 21 months in prison. The case’s details reveal a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years, involving multiple women who initially trusted him as a coach. During the second trial, prosecutor Rowan Jenkins outlined how Taylor, despite his positive reputation, engaged in unwanted sexual touching and inappropriate advances towards women players. The victims described incidents ranging from unwanted kisses and touching to more invasive acts, often occurring after cricket matches or during private moments.

One victim recounted how Taylor had kissed her neck after a game against Camborne, and later, in a pavilion with others present, he had grabbed her crotch and made a grotesque sexual comment. Another woman described how Taylor invited her into his car to discuss future seasons, only to kiss her unexpectedly and attempt to touch her inappropriately. She also recounted an incident where he approached her in a car park and kissed her again, and a third occasion where he touched her private parts over her shorts during a match.

The first trial in 2021 revealed earlier misconduct, including Taylor’s inappropriate comments and physical contact dating back to 2006, when he sat next to a young girl, slid his hand into her underwear, and touched her bottom. The victim, who was underage at the time, later described feeling sick and overwhelmed by the betrayal. She also recounted how Taylor had kissed her on the lips when she was waiting in a car, and how she felt unable to escape his advances until she finally reported him in 2018. Her victim statement expressed her ongoing distress and the lasting impact of his actions, which continue to haunt her and her loved ones.

Overall, the case underscores the dangers of abuse of authority within sports and highlights the importance of safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The court’s decision aims to serve justice for the victims and send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated, regardless of the offender’s reputation or standing in the community.