A taxi driver has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor in his vehicle before providing her with a complimentary ride. Terence Round, aged 79, admitted to engaging in sexual acts with a girl under 16 and enticing her to participate in sexual activities.
The incident occurred three years ago when Round transported the victim to a remote location in Cornwall after she couldn’t pay the £30 fare. Heather Hope, the prosecutor, revealed that Round had communicated with the child via text messages, inquiring about her age and offering her rides. Hope mentioned that Round expressed regret that the girl was not 16 years old.
During the offense, the teenager informed Round that she couldn’t afford the fare and proposed to give him anything he desired in exchange for a free ride. Following a text conversation, Round drove her to an isolated area and secured the vehicle doors.
The victim felt overwhelmed with fear and helplessness, as per Ms. Hope’s statement. After the assault, Round transported her to her destination and warned her not to disclose the incident to anyone. Emily Cook, Round’s representative, acknowledged the severity of the offenses, describing them as “very serious.”
Cook argued that Round, who had never offended before, misunderstood the girl’s offer and believed it meant cleaning his car in exchange for the ride. The defense highlighted that Round had not reoffended and had ceased working as a taxi driver.
During sentencing, Judge James Adkin emphasized Round’s abuse of trust as a taxi driver and the victim’s distress. The judge noted that Round instructed the girl to act as if nothing had occurred and cautioned her against revealing the incident. Adkin considered Round’s personal circumstances and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors.
