May 2010 Trusted Hereford cabbie abused and raped young girls DAVID Webb was a taxi driver trusted to ferry children to and from school and the stalwart of a 30-year marriage until a determined detective exposed him as the monster responsible for a series of rapes and sexual assaults against young girls. Detective Constable Sue Prosser, of Herefordshire CID, was praised by a crown court judge this week for her “considerable skill” in building the case that saw Webb convicted and jailed for 15 years. At Worcester Crown Court, Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC formally recognised the “tough time” DC Prosser had been through as the investigation progressed through months of painstaking interviews and evidence testing. Contained within the eventual prosecution file is one of the worst serial sex offence cases the county has seen, full details of which remain restricted for legal reasons. Put to the court, much of the evidence reduced jurors to tears. Webb, aged 52, of Bennett Mead, Moor Farm, Hereford, got guilty verdicts on 27 counts of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child relating to offences stretching back some 24 years. Passing sentence, Judge Pearce-Higgins said Webb had targeted young girls for his own “perverted sexual satisfaction.” The court also heard the judge praise the victims who gave evidence against Webb and the “distressing ordeal” they endured. “I hope the convictions can help them begin to put these events behind them,” said Judge Pearce-Higgins. Webb worked as a taxi driver and was approved by Herefordshire Council to take children to and from school. None of his victims were selected from these school journeys. The trial heard Webb say witnesses were motivated by money, held grudges or were affected by drugs. Along with the 15 year sentence, Webb was the subject of a life-long sexual offences prevention order banning him from contact with children under 16. He must also register as a sex offender for life. After the case, Herefordshire Council confirmed that Webb had cleared all the necessary safety and criminal record checks since first being licensed as a taxi driver in 2002. The most recent check was made in November 2007 and Webb again came back clear. Nor were any complaints about Webb made during his time as a taxi driver. Webb had his taxi licence suspended immediately in July last year when police first informed the council that he had been charged with serious sexual offences. He has not driven a taxi since. Following the conviction, Webb’s taxi licence will be formally revoked.