Former unlicensed taxi driver sentenced to 32 years for ‘horrendous’ violent and sexual offences dating back two decades
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
A 63-year-old man has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for a series of violent and sexual offences spanning more than two decades.
Edwin Youll, who operated as an unlicensed taxi driver, used his position to target vulnerable women and children. He was found guilty of 26 offences following a trial in July. The crimes, described by police as “horrendous”, took place from the 1990s onwards.
Youll appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing, where it was heard how he would become aggressive towards victims who did not comply with his demands. On some occasions, he used weapons including knives to further his offending.
He used the guise of a taxi driver to transport and isolate his victims. Police confirmed he was not licensed at the time he was operating.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Stuart Hodgson said: “Firstly I would like to thank the brave victims who came forward and gave harrowing accounts of the horrendous sexual abuse carried out by Edwin Youll.
“I commend the bravery of these women, and all witnesses involved in this investigation, for coming forward and speaking to us, and for their patience throughout the investigation and judicial process.
“Whilst the experiences will stay with them forever, I am pleased that this chapter has now come to a close and that justice has been served, and Youll will now spend a significant time behind bars.
“Violence against women and girls is not acceptable and we will always urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact Cleveland Police.”
