Peter King, a 73-year-old former taxi driver, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing three girls after luring them with holidays and shopping trips. King committed the offences in the 1990s and early 2000s, targeting victims as young as six at his Birmingham flat in Highgate.
Grooming and abuse
King used his taxi to transport the victims and sometimes their friends, cultivating relationships with their parents. He manipulated the girls by arranging holidays and buying them clothes before sexually assaulting them. One victim, aged 15 at the time, became pregnant by King and subsequently had a termination. She disclosed the details years later to West Midlands Police, helping to secure the conviction.
Trial and sentencing
King, of Southampton, was found guilty of 15 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault, following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. He was sentenced on Friday, June 26. 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 statement
A West Midlands Police 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."
