In 2010, the Offender Database recorded that David Webb, then 52, of Bennett Mead, Moor Farm, Hereford, Herefordshire, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a series of historical sexual atrocities. On 3 May 2010, Webb appeared at Worcester Crown Court, where he was handed a 15-year custodial sentence after being convicted of 27 counts of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.
The investigation established that Webb was a trusted member of the community who had worked as a taxi driver since 2002 and was approved by Herefordshire Council to transport children to and from school. While none of his victims was selected from these professional journeys, he utilised his public-facing status to mask a predatory history stretching back 24 years. Detective Constable Sue Prosser of Herefordshire CID was praised by the judge for her “considerable skill” in building the case over months of painstaking interviews and evidence testing, which reportedly reduced jurors to tears.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Webb targeted young girls for his own “perverted sexual satisfaction.” Worcester Crown Court heard that the defendant attempted to undermine the case by claiming witnesses were motivated by money or affected by drugs—a defence the jury rejected. Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC noted the “distressing ordeal” the victims endured while giving evidence and expressed hope that the convictions would allow them to begin moving forward.
The judge noted that Webb had cleared all necessary safety and criminal record checks as recently as November 2007, highlighting the challenges of identifying “monsters” who maintain a clean professional record. For his actions in Hereford, Herefordshire, the court determined that the defendant posed such a significant risk that a life-long Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was required to permanently restrict his contact with children.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, David Webb was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 15 years in prison.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- SOPO: A life-long Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from any contact with children under 16.
- Licensing: Taxi licence formally revoked by Herefordshire Council.
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted on 27 counts at Worcester Crown Court.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Webb is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Mercia Police and the prison estate. Due to the scale of his offending in Hereford, Herefordshire, and his history as a licensed school transport driver, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Webb must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Bennett Mead, Hereford, or any subsequent address for the rest of his life. Authorities state that his life-long SOPO remains a critical safeguard to prevent him from ever returning to a position of trust involving minors. Any breach of his registration conditions or future licence terms will result in immediate arrest and a return to court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.