Nine years in jail for taxi driver who sexually abused girl

Darren Hyett (55), of Broom Chase, Rotherham, was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court today (Friday) after being convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child at a two-week trial in September.

Hyett sexually abused the girl around 14 years ago when she was living at St Edmund's Care Home, Thurcroft, as a teenager and he was working for A1 Taxis.

Judge Jeremy Richardson, QC, said there was an element of grooming involved and an "abuse of trust".

Hyett was cleared by the jury of four counts of rape, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity with a child and perverting the course of justice.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on one count of rape and a not guilty verdict was returned today after prosecutor Mr Matthew Bean confirmed the CPS would not pursue a re-trial.