Train sex pest's assault on oap

A SERIAL sex predator from Bexhill who lived alone with his cat has admitted sexually assaulting an elderly woman while travelling on a train.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Oct 2010, 12:39 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:24 BST

Ivor Taylor, 44, of Cranfield Road, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the elderly woman by touching her sexually without her consent at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, October 6.

Taylor changed his plea to guilty after police showed him closed circuit television (CCTV) footage.

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Prosecuting, Richard Cherrill said the victim, who is in “full command of her faculties” was travelling from Hastings to Eastbourne in the early evening of April 27 this year.

Mr Cherrill said the woman was minding her own business when the defendant sat next to her.

At first she thought Taylor was a ticket inspector, but he then made a suggestive comment.

The victim did not remember his exact words but thought it was a “blooming cheek” and told him: “I’m past all that”.

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As the train pulled into Bexhill the victim became worried, the court heard.

Mr Cherrill said: “He stood up and kissed her right cheek. She tried to turn away but didn’t manage to do so in time.”

Taylor also touched the woman’s right shoulder and made a lewd sexual suggestion, the prosecutor said.

The defendant left the train and later the woman told her family, who contacted police.

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CCTV showed that Taylor had earlier approached another woman on the same journey, causing her to move seats.

The court heard police recognised Taylor, as he had a long history of serious sexual offences, including rape, stretching back to 1981. He was serving a three-year community order for harassment at the time of the offence, Mr Cherill said.

Defending, Fiona Rowling said: “This defendant entirely acknowledges he has a problem and he has always acknowledged he has a problem.”

She also said her client had an issue with alcohol and did not remember being on the train until he was shown CCTV footage.

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Judge Lord Richard Brown adjourned sentencing to allow for a “dangerousness” probation report. Taylor remains in custody and he will appear at Lewes Crown Court again on November 3.

LEFT: CCTV footage of Taylor at Bexhill railway station following the assault on the train