Ernest Grainger

Ernest Grainger, a 62-year-old taxi driver from Alne Bank Road in Alcester, Warwickshire, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually exploiting a highly vulnerable female passenger with a severe mental disorder. The case, heard at Warwick Crown Court, centred on two counts of causing or inciting a person with a mental disorder impeding her free choice to engage in sexual activity. Grainger pleaded guilty to the offences, which involved taking advantage of the woman's limited mental capacity, described as being in the bottom one per cent of the population.

The incidents occurred during journeys in Grainger's taxi. On one occasion, while transporting the woman to a swimming baths, she innocently undid some of her clothing to show him her swimming costume, not understanding the implications of her actions. Grainger exploited this vulnerability by inviting her to his home on two separate occasions. There, they engaged in sexual activity, including removing their clothes for heavy petting, during which Grainger penetrated her with his finger and performed oral sex on her. The woman later told police she was frightened by the encounters and had not consented, making it clear on at least one occasion that she did not want to participate.

Prosecutor Andrew Wilkins detailed how the woman's friend became concerned after hearing her comments about Grainger, leading to an examination of her phone. This revealed intimate text messages, which Grainger had deleted from his own device to avoid detection by his wife. Upon arrest, Grainger claimed he believed the woman's mental age was that of a late teenager and considered her over the age of consent, suggesting he had not fully considered her obvious mental difficulties.

Judge Sylvia de Bertodano, in sentencing Grainger, emphasised the gravity of his actions. She stated: 'You took advantage of the woman’s mental condition to engage in sexual activity with her. She describes herself as being extremely frightened by what happened, and also having made it clear on at least one of those occasions that that was not what she wanted to do. You must have known she was highly vulnerable, and not at all in a position to consent to sexual activity with you. This is a very serious criminal offence.' In addition to the six-year custodial sentence, Grainger was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, marking a devastating turn in his life, now described as being in ruins.

The case was investigated by West Mercia Police, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable adults in everyday situations such as taxi journeys. Grainger's actions underscore the need for heightened awareness and protection for individuals with mental impairments.