Paedophile taxi driver made the lives of two girls a misery.

Predatory Taxi Driver Jailed for 15 Years

A girl who was sexually abused by a predatory taxi driver said she "didn't want to be here anymore" after the ordeal.

Steven Halton, 58, molested two young teenage girls in sickening attacks 25 years apart. His first victim, Girl A, came forward after Halton's second victim, Girl B, reported the abuse to the police.

Halton denied any wrongdoing, forcing both victims to relive their trauma during a harrowing trial. He was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault against Girl A and four counts of sexual activity with a child against Girl B.

Halton, of Merlewood Avenue, Southport, told Liverpool Crown Court that he maintains his "innocence". However, Judge Brian Cummings, QC, stated that he was sure of Halton's guilt based on the evidence presented.

Judge Cummings detailed the multiple occasions Halton abused Girl A in the 1990s, touching her breasts, bottom, and genitalia over clothing, forcibly kissing her, and committing sexual offences involving penetration. He said Halton "made her life a misery".

In the last decade, Halton abused Girl B, grooming her and kissing her "insistently and in a manner that the jury rightly found was sexual" on four separate occasions. The judge described how Halton tried to undo Girl B's bra and unzip her jeans on one occasion, and on another, he put his hand under her skirt and touched her upper leg and groin area while giving her a lift in his taxi.

Girl B's father shared a victim statement in court, describing the devastating impact the discovery of his daughter's abuse had on their lives. He expressed regret for potentially misreading his daughter's moods and not understanding her struggles.

Judge Cummings interjected, saying, "Well, parents always feel bad but for what it's worth, from my point of view he really shouldn't."

Mr. Dillon, prosecuting, summarized Girl B's account, explaining how Halton "took advantage of her" and left her suffering from "sleepless nights, bad dreams and trauma that is indescribable". He added that she had gone to counselling because she "saw no purpose and was really down".

Girl B stated that she was given money to keep quiet about the abuse but that the memories "will stick with her forever". She described feeling "worthless and weak" and questioning why these events impacted her life forever.

Girl A shared her struggle to live with the abuse, which led to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. She also expressed guilt for not reporting the abuse sooner, believing it may have prevented Girl B's molestation.

However, Mr. Dillon and Judge Cummings both emphasized that the blame did not lie with Girl A. Girl A described the trial as "unbearable" and shared her feelings of anger and the need for counselling to rebuild her life.

The court heard that Halton had a small number of previous convictions for dishonesty dating back to 1985-1990.

Charlotte Kenny, defending, acknowledged Halton's continued claims of innocence. She stated that there was "very little" she could say on his behalf, as he had chosen to go to trial.

Judge Cummings highlighted Girl A's vulnerability and the "serious aggravating feature" of the multiple offenses committed against her. He emphasized the significant lifelong ill effects the abuse had on her, as detailed in her victim statement and evidence at trial.

Halton was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order indefinitely.

Detective Inspector Paula Furlong praised the victims for their courage and dignity throughout the investigation, stating that seeing Halton sent to prison would hopefully bring them some closure. She emphasized the police's commitment to protecting victims of sexual offences and urged anyone who has experienced similar abuse or has concerns for someone's safety to come forward.