Man Jailed for Over 11 Years After Sexual Offences Against Teen Boys
The 21-year-old has been convicted for multiple counts of rape and attempted rape
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against teenage boys in both Cumbria and the Cleveland area.
Jamie-Lee Taylor, of Skidore View in Penrith, was convicted of five counts, including rape, attempted rape, and inciting sexual activity with children. His offending involved two teenage victims.
The court heard that Taylor contacted both boys via social media, before travelling to meet them in person.
In May 2023, he met the teenagers on separate occasions at a hotel in the Cleveland area, where two of the offences took place. He went on to commit further sexual offences in Cumbria, including multiple counts of rape and attempted rape.
He was sentenced today (Thursday, 17 April) at Cumbria Crown Court. The judge handed down concurrent sentences for each offence, with the most serious being 11 years and two months for the rape of a child.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, one of the boys said: “My life has been affected massively and I struggle to sleep and have regular nightmares.”
The mother of one of the victims added: “This incident feels like it happened a long time ago and the aftereffects will not end anytime soon.
"Even after sentencing is over, sadly it is not over for our family. This will go on forever. The only good thing to come from all of this is the fact that other children have been safeguarded and have had the courage to come forward and tell the police what happened.”
Detective Constable Grace Wass, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims and their families, saying: “Regularly we find victims of sexual offending blame themselves for what has happened. I want to make it absolutely clear – the only person responsible is the one who committed the crime.
"The victims in this case showed incredible courage in speaking up. Their actions helped us stop a sex offender and prevent further harm.”
She added that the case highlighted the importance of support from parents and professionals, and encouraged anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek help.
Support is available from Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), whether or not the offence has been reported to police.