MICHAEL TAYLOR SENTENCED IN ESSEX AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS AT ANIMAL SANCTUARY
A judge has issued an apology to two teenage girls following a sentencing decision that fell short of jailing Michael Taylor, 75, who sexually abused them at his animal sanctuary.Judge Patricia Lynch QC expressed regret, admitting that due to sentencing guidelines, she could not impose a prison sentence on Taylor, despite his admitted offences.
Taylor, who has managed Mistley Park Place in Essex since 1989, admitted to sexual assault involving grooming, kissing, and groping the girls, then aged 15 and 17.
The incidents took place at his petting farm, which houses around 2,000 animals.
In a victim impact statement, the younger girl stated her wish for Taylor to face a prison term, a sentiment the judge acknowledged with understanding.
However, based on the Sentencing Council guidelines related to the victims' ages and the severity of the assaults, Judge Lynch explained she was compelled to impose a community order instead of a custodial sentence.
Addressing the victims and their families at Chelmsford Crown Court, she said: "With a heavy heart I propose to adopt the recommendations in the pre-sentence report." As part of her sentence, Taylor received a 36-month community order.
The NSPCC criticized this decision, stating, "It does not feel morally right.
The young victims will have been scarred by this experience and will need ongoing support.
Sentences must match the crime and serve as a deterrent." Judge Lynch told Taylor: "You have to live with the damage you have done to two young lives.
You are 75 and had previously been of good character until these offences.
I am sure you will never forget this crime, and you don’t deserve to forget." She condemned Taylor for exploiting his position, stating, "Some might suggest you only cuddled and kissed, but I deprecate such a view.
Adults who sexually assault children must accept the consequences." In addition to the community order, Taylor was ordered to attend a sex offender treatment program, to register as a sex offender, pay costs of £1,000, and was prohibited from unsupervised contact with girls under 18 for five years.
Court proceedings revealed that Taylor had manipulated the girls into being alone with him, offering £100 for kisses and cuddles.
He sent them flirtatious text messages, calling them beautiful and urging them to delete these messages.
The court heard that he forcefully kissed the 17-year-old on the lips, describing the act as disgusting.
Between July and October 2013, he also kissed the 15-year-old and touched her bottom and breasts over her clothes.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton described Taylor's actions as grooming, seeking to ingratiate himself and win over the much younger girls.
Defense lawyer Peter Barlex explained that Taylor was attempting to be sociable and offer comfort, but acknowledged he got carried away and that the situation had become out of control.
He stated that Taylor understands the seriousness of the allegations.
Outside court, Essex Police officer PC Rachel Moss commented: "Justice has been achieved.
It is clear that the victims have been severely affected by Taylor's crimes.
I hope this sentence will allow them to move on with their lives."
