Peter King, a 73-year-old former Birmingham taxi driver, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for a series of child sex offences committed in the 1990s and early 2000s. King, now of Southampton, was convicted of 15 sex offences including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Grooming and abuse
King befriended the parents of his victims and groomed the girls by taking them on holidays and shopping trips, buying them clothes. He then lured them back to his flat in Highgate, Birmingham, where he sexually abused them. One victim, who was just 15 at the time, became pregnant by King and later had an abortion. She disclosed the details years later, helping West Midlands Police to prosecute King.
Victims as young as six
The abuse targeted three girls, one as young as six. King used his taxi to ferry the victims and sometimes their friends around, further facilitating his crimes. Investigating Officer Liz Weston said: “King preyed on these young girls and took advantage of them when they were at their most vulnerable. It was through the bravery of the women who came forward and recounted their abuse, from when they were children, that we were able to ensure King was brought to justice for his deplorable actions. He has now received a significant jail term and I hope this brings some form of closure for those he subjected to these horrific crimes.”
Police response
A force spokesperson added: “Our specialist Non-Recent RASSO Team, within the PPU, investigate all reports of sex offences no matter how long ago they took place. You can report a sexual assault or rape that happened at any time to us, even if it was months, years or decades ago. We take every report seriously, no matter how much time has passed. We understand that there are lots of reasons why someone might not feel ready to tell anyone about what has happened right away, but we're always here for you, and will look to act on any information we receive.”
