Tony Taylor

A man from Devon has been imprisoned for raping a teenager in a shed, an incident that left the victim terrified and pleading for it to stop. Tony Taylor, aged 44, of Coronation Road in Kingsbridge, committed the offence in 2023 after consuming alcohol. The case was heard at Exeter Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the harrowing assault.

According to prosecutor Mary McCarthy, Taylor began by groping the girl, who repeatedly said 'no' and froze in terror during the attack. Despite her clear distress and pleas, Taylor forced himself upon her in the shed, later telling her not to tell anyone and describing the incident as 'their secret'. DNA evidence conclusively linked Taylor to the crime, though he initially refused to answer police questions following his arrest by Devon & Cornwall Police.

Taylor eventually pleaded guilty to one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault. In mitigation, his defence counsel Emily Pitts noted that sex offenders often struggle to admit guilt and praised Taylor for showing 'a huge amount of courage' in doing so. She highlighted his positive character traits, describing him as a hard worker and a man of previous good character who expressed remorse for his actions.

Judge Stephen Climie, in passing sentence, remarked that it was impossible to know what was going through the defendant's head at the time but acknowledged that Taylor was 'an otherwise decent member of society'. Taylor was sentenced to six years and nine months' imprisonment. Additionally, he must sign the sex offenders' register for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.

The incident underscores the severity of sexual offences in the region, with Devon & Cornwall Police playing a key role in the investigation and arrest. The court proceedings took place in November 2025, bringing closure to the victim's ordeal after the 2023 assault.