Lance Percival

Lance Percival, a taxi driver based in Oxted, Surrey, exploited his position of trust to commit a series of sexual offences against a vulnerable woman he regularly transported to support services. Between 2020 and 2025, Percival drove the victim, who had a mental disorder that impaired her ability to provide consent, and over this period, he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her. The offences came to light when police discovered an SD card in his wallet containing 16 videos of the assaults, including instances where the victim could be heard telling him to stop.

Percival was arrested following the discovery of the footage. Upon questioning, he admitted to knowing that the victim was unable to consent due to her vulnerability. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice, four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. Initially, on 10 November 2025, he was sentenced to 12 years and six months' imprisonment at a court in Surrey, along with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.

The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, deemed the original sentence unduly lenient and referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. On 24 March 2026, the Court of Appeal increased Percival's sentence to a 20-year extended term, comprising 16 years' custody and a four-year extended licence period. Reeves commented: 'This was a horrific case where predator Lance Percival abused his position of trust as the victim’s taxi driver to rape and sexually assault the vulnerable passenger who was not in a position to give him her consent. As Solicitor General, I will use my position to protect women and girls from abuse, and I welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to increase Lance Percival’s sentence ensuring he spends longer behind bars where he cannot harm anyone else.' The case was investigated by Surrey Police, highlighting the severe breach of trust by a service provider towards a vulnerable individual.