Essex man jailed for sexually assaulting teenage girl after giving her alcohol
Brent Taylor sentenced to four years after jury trial
Last updated 5th Oct 2026
Brent Taylor, a 76-year-old from Harwich, Essex, has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl after giving her alcohol.
Taylor appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 5th October where he was sentenced.
He had denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial.
The incident took place in April 2024 at a caravan site near Saxmundham, where Taylor had provided alcohol to the victim, aged in her mid-teens, and a teenage boy.
After the boy left the caravan, Taylor locked the door and assaulted the victim, only to be interrupted when the boy returned.
In addition to his prison sentence, Taylor received a 15-year restraining order and must sign the sex offenders’ register.
In her victim statement read out in court, the victim shared her feelings of anger and isolation, expressing the emotional impact of the assault.
Detective Constable Holly Rowley, who led the case, described Taylor as a predator who exploited the victim.
She said: “Taylor is a predator who took advantage of a teenage girl. At more than four times her age, he plied her with strong alcoholic drinks and shots before assaulting her.
“He has shown a disregard for the impact of his actions, by denying the charge and forcing the victim to endure a trial and relive her trauma.
“I would like to commend the victim for showing courage beyond her years in reporting the incident to police.
“I would also urge anyone who has experienced sexual offences to report it when you feel ready. You will be listened to, supported and believed, and we will use every tool available to seek justice.”