On Monday, 19 January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Terence Round, 79, of St Giles on the Heath, was jailed for four years at Truro Crown Court. Round, a former taxi driver, callously used his position of trust to sexually abuse a vulnerable schoolgirl in an isolated Cornish location.
The investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police revealed that the vile incident occurred three years ago. The victim, a teenager under 16, had been unable to pay a £30 taxi fare. Round dishonestly exploited her financial situation, driving her to a secluded spot to carry out the predatory assault before giving her a free lift to her destination.
Vile Exploitation and Intimidation
Prosecutor Heather Hope emphasised that Round had groomed the victim through previous lifts and text messages. He had callously asked her age and, upon finding out she was under 16, told her it was a “shame” she wasn’t older. On the day of the offence, the victim felt terrified and froze as the predatory driver carried out the assault.
Following the vile act, Round callously told the girl to get dressed and act as if nothing had happened, sternly reminding her not to tell anyone. Judge James Adkin noted the profound impact on the girl, who felt as though she was about to cry during the ordeal. Round pleaded guilty to:
- Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 16.
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Sentence and Registration
Judge Adkin emphasised the predatory nature of the attack and the breach of trust inherent in Round’s profession. For his evil crimes, Terence Round was:
- Sentenced to four years in prison.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Round is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Devon and Cornwall Police. His residency in St Giles on the Heath and his future movements across the border between Cornwall and Devon will be under serious lifelong scrutiny.
As a convicted paedophile, he is permanently barred from working in any position of trust, including taxi driving. Any dishonest attempt to contact the victim or re-enter a role involving the transport of vulnerable people will result in his immediate arrest and return to custody.
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