In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 51-year-old Phillip David Taylor—formerly of Hull but residing in Wells, Somerset—was finally jailed after a “serial” campaign of evading justice. The investigation established that Taylor, utilising the alias ‘Flip Flop’, targeted at least 20 different online profiles he believed belonged to underage girls. The prosecution reported at Taunton Crown Court that Taylor sent a “catalogue” of sexually explicit messages, unaware that he was communicating with decoys from multiple paedophile hunting teams.
The investigation established that Taylor was exposed during a coordinated sting involving ‘Team Impact’ and the ‘UK Database’ team in late 2017. During the encounter, Taylor was described as “obnoxious, arrogant, and ignorant” regarding the gravity of his actions. The prosecution reported that Taylor openly downplayed the danger he posed to children and, in a “vile” comparison, expressed his belief that Jimmy Savile was innocent after the hunting team noted similarities in his demeanour.
EVASION OF JUSTICE AND JUDICIAL FINDINGS
The court reported that Taylor demonstrated a total disregard for the legal system by going on the run three separate times. The investigation established that after his initial arrest, he evaded police for 13 months while on bail. The prosecution reported that he subsequently failed to appear for two further court dates, resulting in multiple warrants for his arrest before he was eventually apprehended and brought before the bench for his final sentencing.
Judge-led proceedings at Taunton Crown Court concluded in 2020. For his actions in Wells and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, Phillip David Taylor was sentenced to 22 months in prison. The judge also made him subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring his digital strikes and movements are strictly monitored by authorities to protect the public.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial orders issued in 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Incite a child to engage in sexual activity x2; Sexual communication with a child x2).
- Custodial Status: SERVING (In 2020, sentenced to 22 months; currently incarcerated).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030.
- SHPO Status: Active until 2030 (Imposing permanent prohibitions on unmonitored internet use and contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Taunton Crown Court; investigated by Avon and Somerset Police.
- Criminal Record: Targeted 20+ profiles believed to be minors; Used alias ‘Flip Flop’; Went on the run three times; Defended Jimmy Savile during sting; Jailed in 2020.
- Origin: Wells, Somerset (Formerly of Hull, East Yorkshire).
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Taylor is managed as a high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Level 3 in Somerset. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “serial” attempts to target large numbers of children and his repeated evasion of police—he is a priority for the most intensive level of community supervision upon release. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Taylor is permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to hold a position of trust or interact with children in Wells, Hull, or elsewhere will be blocked.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Taylor’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification and contempt for the law over the safety and human rights of children. Any failure by Taylor to adhere to his notification requirements or his restrictive court orders upon his eventual release will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has repeatedly violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was able to go on the run “Three Separate Times” while on bail, do you believe the law should legally mandate that any individual charged with grooming offences must be automatically remanded in custody without the possibility of bail?
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