LINDSEY TAYLOR EXETER WOMAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF AUTISTIC BOY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Exeter, Lindsey Taylor, a woman aged 42, was sentenced to prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable 15-year-old autistic boy.The incident took place in July 2017, after the boy sought refuge at her home in Tristan Close following a dispute with his family members.
According to court reports, Taylor exploited the boy's fragile state by encouraging him to consume cannabis and vodka, substances that she supplied.
The young victim, who was experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties, was left in a highly compromised state.
While he was resting on her sofa, Taylor allegedly climbed onto him and persuaded him to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse.
The act left the boy deeply disturbed, to the extent that he went missing the following day.
It was only after this that Taylor contacted his mother to confess her involvement in the incident.
Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, presiding at Exeter Crown Court, sentenced Taylor to two years in prison after she admitted to sexual activity with a minor.
The judge also ordered her to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict her contact with male children, aiming to prevent any further harm.
During the sentencing, Judge Mercer emphasized the gravity of Taylor’s actions, stating, “You are 42 and in August last year you engaged in sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old boy.
He was a child with difficulties, as you knew.
However this came about, this was very, very wrong and you must have known that.
It happened after you had been drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis with him, and these are obvious aggravating factors.” The judge further highlighted the emotional damage caused, referencing the victim’s mother’s impact statement, which expressed her distress and sickness over the incident.
The case was brought to light when the boy, who had behavioral issues, left Taylor’s home the day after the assault.
Taylor then contacted his mother and disclosed her involvement, prompting her to call the police.
Prosecutor Rachel Drake detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, revealing that the boy had been subjected to inappropriate touching, including under his jeans and licking his nipples.
The victim, who had been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, was unable to provide a victim impact statement but was noted to be quieter following the incident.
Drake recounted that the boy had asked Taylor to stop during the assault but was overwhelmed as she continued to touch and rub him, eventually climbing on top of him on the sofa.
The following day, Taylor reportedly suggested they repeat the encounter.
In a related case from June 2017, Taylor, then 41, was also accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the same 15-year-old boy over a two-week period.
Court proceedings revealed that she provided funds for the teenager to purchase cannabis, which they smoked together.
The judge noted that alcohol and cannabis were involved during this period, further emphasizing the inappropriate and illegal nature of her conduct.
Although Taylor was due for sentencing at that time, the court lacked sufficient information about the full impact on the victim, who was described by his mother as now being “quieter.” Judge Mercer acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses, indicating that Taylor could have faced up to three and a half years in prison had the case gone to trial.
She was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was granted bail pending her sentencing scheduled for the following week.
