May 2023

Sick van driver who had sex with schoolgirl in exchange for lift avoids jail

A sex predator who had sex with a teenager while her friends sat in the back of his van has avoided jail.

White van man Rob Chetter responded to an online advert posted by the girl asking for a lift from Bristol to the north of England.

The 43-year-old, from South Staffordshire, agreed to her terms for the lift and had sex with her in payment for the trip. He stopped in a layby and had sex with her in the front of the van.

The girl’s friends played music in the back of the van as Chetter took part in the sordid ordeal, a court heard. Now, Chetter has avoided time behind bars for his sex offending.

Bristol Crown Court heard how the incident came to light when three youngsters were reported missing and then later located. When they were questioned, details of Chetter’s sick crime emerged.

He had agreed to give the girls a lift in exchange for sex with one of them.

He blacked out the van’s windows as he had sex with the youngster in his cab, with her pals aged 16 and 15 in the back.

Delivery driver Chetter – of Hatherton Road, Penkridge – admitted paying for the sexual services of a child aged under 18. He was handed a 14 months sentence, suspended for two years.

Sentencing, Judge William Hart said: “Anyone listening would find this a tawdry business indeed. It is aggravated by the fact it was a vulnerable girl who was prepared to use her body for this transaction.”

The judge said it was the transaction which turned events into a criminal charge. The offence falls under Section 47 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

The court heard Chetter had a very limited criminal record. The defendant was also handed up to 65 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and £350 costs Chetter declined to comment as he left court.