February 2015

West Cumbrian pervert sentenced to 23 years

A man from West Cumbria has been sentenced to 23 years in prison today (26th February) at Carlisle Crown Court for sexual offences spanning a 12 year period on women and young girls.

Stephen Taylor, aged 58, of Leconfield Street, Cleator Moor, was charged with:

• Nine counts of rape

• Six counts of serious sexual assault

• Four counts of indecent assault

Taylor’s victims were aged between 12 and 24.

His offences came to the attention of police following one of the victims reporting it to a friend who alerted police in July 2013.

Detective Constable Ruth Elliott, from the West Cumbria Public Protection Unit, said: “Taylor’s actions were shocking – particularly as his behaviour was consistent for such a prolonged period of time in sexually and physically abusing women and young girls.

“He took advantage of his victims and subjected them to ordeals which will live with them for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all five victim’s bravery in reporting this incident. I would also like to commend the support shown by witnesses in assisting with our investigation. The trial has been a traumatic experience for all and I hope this case encourages others to come forward if they have been victims of sexual assaults.”

Isla Chilton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Stephen Taylor has today been jailed for carrying out horrendous physical and sexual abuse of four female victims between 1978 and 1990.

“He showed a distinctive pattern of behaviour throughout his contact with all the victims by controlling, manipulating and forcing himself upon each of them.

“He was well aware of their young ages when he targeted them and began systematically abusing them.  One of the victims was just 12 when he set his sights on her.

“The victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and taking a stand against their abuser, which has resulted in Stephen Taylor being brought to justice for these 18 offences.  I sincerely hope that following today’s verdicts, they can begin to move on with their lives in the knowledge that justice has been served.

“The CPS and police urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the offences took place, to come forward and report it to the police.  We are committed to bringing those who have committed such offences before the courts and will support victims in every possible way throughout the process.”

Anyone who would like to report an assault should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

February 2015

Serial rapist facing a long spell in jail after being convicted of series of sex crimes against females

Stephen Taylor, 58, is guilty of targeting two girls and two women during a period spanning about 10 years, with his offences including the rape of one of his child victims.

Cumbria’s top judge said he had been convicted of “brutal” offending, warning him he was set to spend years behind bars.

Taylor showed no emotion as Judge Paul Batty QC told him: “Be under no illusions, you face an extremely lengthy custodial sentence.”

Taylor, of Leconfield Street, Cleator Moor, had been on trial at Carlisle Crown Court, where he denied 22 charges.

But a jury found him guilty of 17 of these crimes. He also admitted two other charges before the trial got underway.

The trial heard how a “significant number of women” had come forward to make claims against Taylor.

Taylor’s overall crimes spanned a period between 1980 and 1990.

Isla Chilton, senior crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in the north west spoke after the hearing.

She said: “Stephen Taylor has been convicted of carrying out horrendous physical and sexual abuse of four female victims.

“He showed a distinctive pattern of behaviour throughout his contact with all the victims by controlling, manipulating and forcing himself upon each of them.

“The victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and taking a stand against their abuser.

“I sincerely hope that following the verdicts, they can begin to move on with their lives in the knowledge that justice has been served.”

A jury unanimously found him guilty of six counts of rape and six serious sexual assaults against one woman.

He was also found guilty of two counts of rape against another woman but cleared of a third charge of rape for this victim.

The jury returned majority verdicts on one count of rape and two charges that he indecently assaulted a girl.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault against another girl.

In relation to a third girl, Taylor was found not guilty of three charges of sexual assault and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Taylor, wearing a grey sweatshirt and jeans, was told by Judge Batty: “You have been convicted of brutal offending.”

The case was adjourned and Taylor will be sentenced at a later date. He was remanded in custody.