Court: Taxi driver picked up care home girl and sexually abused her

Darren Hyett (54), of Broom Chase, Rotherham, was working for A1 Taxis when he allegedly befriended the girl and gave her gifts, money, drink and drugs, Sheffield Crown Court heard yesterday.

Hyett denies five counts of rape, three counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity with a child, and perverting the course of justice.

He was aged between 40 and 44 when the alleged offences took place, between 2004 and 2007. The complainant was aged between 15 and 18.

Prosecutor Mr Matthew Bean said Hyett was working for A1 Taxis when he met the girl, who was staying at St Edmunds Care Home, Thurcroft.

He began to exchange messages with the girl before meeting her regularly.

“He began to give her gifts, money, and, over time, drink and drugs,” said Mr Bean.

“This was done, the prosecution say, in order to gain control over (the girl) so he could engage in sexual activities with her.

“Against this background, the prosecution say he committed a number of serious sexual offences against her.”

He told the court that Hyett must have known she was staying at St Edmunds and that the home cared for people who needed the support of the local authority.

The trial continues.