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 2000s. He was found guilty of 15 counts, including ten of indecent assault and five of rape, targeting three victims as young as six and nine.
Grooming and abuse over years
King groomed two of his victims, aged nine and 11 at the start, by buying them food, clothes, and taking them on day trips and holidays. He then lured them back to his flat in Highgate, Birmingham, where he sexually abused them. He also kissed a third victim on the lips when she was six.
Victims' emotional statements
In court, the victims delivered powerful statements. The first victim, who became pregnant at 15 due to King's rape and had an abortion, called him an 'animal' and said: 'There was a sinister side to his kindness. He knew what he was looking for and how to prey on us, using our vulnerabilities to his advantage.' She added: 'You may have stolen my childhood, I will not let you steal my future.'
The second victim said the smell of Old Spice aftershave still triggers her anxiety. Judge Roderick Henderson described the three as 'three strong women whose lives were destroyed'. He stated: 'If ever a case illustrated the terrible effect sexual abuse has, this is it. It does not resolve when it is finished. It continues for weeks, months and years later.'
Sentencing and defence
King, who appeared via video link from HMP Birmingham, was sentenced on June 16. His defence lawyer, Rebecca Fairbairn, said he had significant health issues but had obtained a full-time job in custody and 'enhanced status'. She noted he was aware he may spend the rest of his life in prison.
