A child sex offender has been jailed more than 20 years after carrying out his abuse.

Terrance Taylor was sentenced to a total of six years’ imprisonment when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Thursday 17 September).

Seventy-four-year-old Taylor abused his young victim in the mid-2000s, touching her in an inappropriate manner. His crimes were brought to the attention of police in 2024 when the victim, who is now an adult, disclosed what had happened during her childhood.

In interview, Taylor denied ever having sexually abused the victim but could not tell officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) why she would make up such an allegation.

He was subsequently charged and in August, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, was found guilty of two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age.

Taylor, of Wokingham Avenue, Eyres Monsell, was also placed on the sex offender register indefinitely and made subject to an indefinite restraining order which prohibits him from contacting the victim.

Detective Constable Katie Harris, from the CAIU’s non-recent team, was the officer in the case. She said: “The victim in this case has shown a great amount of bravery in coming forward and re-living what happened both to officers and a jury during the trial.

“She’s said she hopes this case will encourage other victims of sexual abuse – either now or in years gone by – to come forward. She echoes our message which is always that it’s never too late to make a report and ensure those responsible for such awful crimes are brought to justice.

“I hope today’s sentencing has provided her with a degree of closure and will now allow her to move on with her life.”

• There are several different agencies who can offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
• Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences

Image credit Leicestershire Police