ROBERT TAYLOR FROM SOMERCOTES SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN CHESTERFIELD

In a case that has raised serious concerns about the safety of young people in the area, Robert Taylor, a 58-year-old resident of Coupland Place in Somercotes, was brought before magistrates in Chesterfield to face charges related to sexual misconduct involving minors. The court heard that Taylor was accused of indecently touching two girls, aged 15 and 17, at his residence, actions that have prompted warnings about his potential threat to youth in the community.

Prosecutor Angela Hadfield detailed the disturbing incidents, revealing that Taylor had placed his hand on the older girl’s leg and kept it there for a prolonged period, estimated to be between five and ten minutes. During this time, he also inquired about her relationship with her boyfriend, adding a layer of inappropriate behavior and manipulation. The court was also informed that Taylor had touched the younger girl above her clothing, an act that has led to her currently undergoing counselling to address the emotional and psychological impact of the assault.

Mrs. Hadfield emphasized the broader concern, stating, “It is felt that he is a general threat to young people,” underscoring the potential danger Taylor poses to the community. Initially, Taylor denied the charges, claiming he had not intentionally touched the girls in a sexual manner during the period between December 10 of the previous year and January 31. However, on the day of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty, admitting to the allegations.

The court sentenced Taylor to six weeks in jail, but this sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period. Additionally, magistrates imposed an 18-month supervision order to monitor his conduct, along with a financial penalty of £250 to cover court costs. As part of the court’s measures to prevent future incidents, Taylor was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of seven years. Furthermore, a five-year sexual offences prevention order was issued, explicitly prohibiting him from having any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 18, aiming to safeguard minors from potential harm in the future.