WINSFORD TAXI DRIVER PETER ICELY JAILED FOR MOLESTATION OF AUTISTIC BOY IN HIS CAR

In October 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in Winsford involving a local taxi driver named Peter Icely, who was ultimately sentenced to four years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young autistic boy. The incident took place in Icely's vehicle, where he exploited a vulnerable child during a moment when the boy's chaperone had briefly stepped away to assist other children in their journey.

Despite his protests of innocence, Icely was found guilty after a jury trial held at Liverpool Crown Court. The court heard that the abuse occurred when the boy, estimated to be around four or five years old, was left alone with Icely in the car. During this time, Icely engaged in inappropriate conduct, which included getting out of the driver’s seat and moving to the back of the vehicle, where he forcibly grabbed the boy’s genitals over his clothing. This act caused the young victim pain and emotional distress, and the judge described it as a targeted assault on a particularly vulnerable child.

The court was informed that the boy, who had communication difficulties, later disclosed what had happened to a trusted adult, leading to Icely’s arrest. The judge, Thomas Teague, QC, emphasized the severity of the offense, noting the element of targeting a child with special needs. Icely, who is 57 years old and resides on Spinney Close in Winsford, was working as an auditor at the time of sentencing. It was also revealed that he has no prior convictions, making this case particularly serious given the breach of trust involved.

Judge Teague’s verdict underscored the gravity of the crime, and Icely was sentenced to four years behind bars for his actions. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse, especially in situations where trust has been placed in individuals who then betray that trust in the most heinous ways.