William Taylor (judge)

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox person

{{Infobox person

| honorific_suffix =

| honorific_suffix =

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1944|07|27}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1944|07|27}}

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2025|03|19|1944|07|27}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Letcher |first=Lisa |date=2025-04-06 |title=Judge who put away plenty of Cornish criminals among death notices |url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/judge-who-put-away-plenty-10073779 |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Cornwall Live |language=en}}</ref>

| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2025|03|19|1944|07|27}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Letcher |first=Lisa |date=2025-04-06 |title=Judge who put away plenty of Cornish criminals among death notices |url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/judge-who-put-away-plenty-10073779 |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Cornwall Live |language=en}}</ref>

| occupation = {{hlist|Barrister|Judge|University Chairman}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Barrister|Judge|University Chairman}}

| years_active = 1968–2014

| years_active = 1968–2014

In June 1979, Taylor defended Maria Kristina Coppel, a 23 year old Swedish medical student, who had been arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK on behalf of Guru Bhagwan Shree [[Rajneesh]]. The technique of brainwashing her and other female followers of the sect, which emerged during the court proceedings, ultimately led to the Guru's expulsion from India. Coppel received a suspended sentence.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Outside the Limits of the Human Imagination |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/147657/outside-limits-human-imagination |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583}}</ref>

In June 1979, Taylor defended Maria Kristina Coppel, a 23 year old Swedish medical student, who had been arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK on behalf of Guru Bhagwan Shree [[Rajneesh]]. The technique of brainwashing her and other female followers of the sect, which emerged during the court proceedings, ultimately led to the Guru's expulsion from India. Coppel received a suspended sentence.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Outside the Limits of the Human Imagination |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/147657/outside-limits-human-imagination |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583}}</ref>

Taylor was counsel for Nicholas Price, who was jailed for life for the murder of his three-year-old stepdaughter, Heidi Koseda, who starved to death in a locked room in Hillingdon, West London in 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/jan/27/childrensservices.childprotection|title=Catalogue of cruelty|first=David|last=Batty|date=27 January 2003|website=the Guardian}}</ref> The case prompted an overhaul of child care services after an independent inquiry criticized the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for failing to act.<ref>“Big NSPCC changes after criticism over girl's starvation death / Heidi Koseda inquiry” The Times (25 March 1986)</ref>

Taylor was counsel for Nicholas Price, who was jailed for life for the murder of his three-year-old stepdaughter, Heidi Koseda, who starved to death in a locked room in Hillingdon, West London in 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/jan/27/childrensservices.childprotection|title=Catalogue of cruelty|first=David|last=Batty|date=27 January 2003|website=the Guardian}}</ref> The case prompted an overhaul of child care services after an independent inquiry criticized the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for failing to act.<ref>"Big NSPCC changes after criticism over girl's starvation death / Heidi Koseda inquiry" The Times (25 March 1986)</ref>

In 1986, Taylor was counsel for the defence during the trial of gangster-turned-state witness [[Francesco Di Carlo]], the former head of the Mafia's British operations.<ref>“Knowledge relevant in conspiracy charges” The Times (12 June 1989)</ref>

In 1986, Taylor was counsel for the defence during the trial of gangster-turned-state witness [[Francesco Di Carlo]], the former head of the Mafia's British operations.<ref>"Knowledge relevant in conspiracy charges" The Times (12 June 1989)</ref>

Another defendant he represented, Anton Johnson, was charged with stealing money from [[Southend United F.C.]], of which he was Chairman. Johnson was acquitted despite the prosecution calling [[Bobby Moore]], former captain of England's World Cup side of 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-11 |title=Anton Johnson's story goes into print |url=https://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/news/9976538.anton-johnsons-story-goes-into-print/ |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Thurrock Gazette |language=en}}</ref>

Another defendant he represented, Anton Johnson, was charged with stealing money from [[Southend United F.C.]], of which he was Chairman. Johnson was acquitted despite the prosecution calling [[Bobby Moore]], former captain of England's World Cup side of 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-11 |title=Anton Johnson's story goes into print |url=https://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/news/9976538.anton-johnsons-story-goes-into-print/ |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Thurrock Gazette |language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, Taylor presided over the trial of Britain's most prolific paedophile, [[William Goad]], at Plymouth Crown Court. Taylor sentenced Goad to life imprisonment for two charges of indecent assault and 14 counts of rape.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 October 2014 |title=Britain's worst paedophile William Goad left just £50,000 - not enough to compensate his victims - Plymouth Herald |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015005119/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Britain-s-worst-paedophile-William-Goad-left-just/story-20493237-detail/story.html |website=archive.org}}</ref>

In 2004, Taylor presided over the trial of Britain's most prolific paedophile, [[William Goad]], at Plymouth Crown Court. Taylor sentenced Goad to life imprisonment for two charges of indecent assault and 14 counts of rape.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 October 2014 |title=Britain's worst paedophile William Goad left just £50,000 - not enough to compensate his victims - Plymouth Herald |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015005119/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Britain-s-worst-paedophile-William-Goad-left-just/story-20493237-detail/story.html |website=archive.org}}</ref>

In 2004, Taylor was appointed the Honorary Recorder of Plymouth by the City Council for life, in recognition of his long-standing fight against drugs and his campaign for a safer city, and he continued to play a significant role in the City's activities as its second citizen until his death.<ref>“Honour won’t make him a soft touch” Plymouth Evening Herald (17 April 2004)</ref> From 2004-2015, Taylor was patron of "12s Company", a charity specialising in the counselling of victims of sexual abuse, particularly those of William Goad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eve |first=Carl |date=2014-05-01 |title=Child sex abuse investigation by Plymouth police brings "closure" to Goad victim |url=https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/child-sex-abuse-investigation-plymouth-1268104 |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Plymouth Live |language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, Taylor was appointed the Honorary Recorder of Plymouth by the City Council for life, in recognition of his long-standing fight against drugs and his campaign for a safer city, and he continued to play a significant role in the City's activities as its second citizen until his death.<ref>"Honour won’t make him a soft touch" Plymouth Evening Herald (17 April 2004)</ref> From 2004-2015, Taylor was patron of "12s Company", a charity specialising in the counselling of victims of sexual abuse, particularly those of William Goad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eve |first=Carl |date=2014-05-01 |title=Child sex abuse investigation by Plymouth police brings "closure" to Goad victim |url=https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/child-sex-abuse-investigation-plymouth-1268104 |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=Plymouth Live |language=en}}</ref>

In 2005, Taylor received an honorary doctorate in Law from the University of Plymouth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of Plymouth honorary doctorates |url=https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/honorary-doctorates |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=University of Plymouth |language=en}}</ref>

In 2005, Taylor received an honorary doctorate in Law from the University of Plymouth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of Plymouth honorary doctorates |url=https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/honorary-doctorates |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=University of Plymouth |language=en}}</ref>

Taylor retired from the bench in 2006 on health grounds.<ref>“City’s senior judge retires” Plymouth Evening Herald (2 March 2006)</ref>

Taylor retired from the bench in 2006 on health grounds.<ref>"City’s senior judge retires" Plymouth Evening Herald (2 March 2006)</ref>

=== 2012–2014: University of Plymouth ===

=== 2012–2014: University of Plymouth ===

In 2012, Taylor was appointed to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at the University of Plymouth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-26 |title=Plymouth University appoints His Honour Judge William Taylor to be Chairman of its Board of Governors |url=https://www.myscience.org/news/wire/plymouth_university_appoints_his_honour_judge_william_taylor_be_chairman_its_board_governors-2012-plymouth |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=myScience |language=en}}</ref>

In 2012, Taylor was appointed to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at the University of Plymouth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-26 |title=Plymouth University appoints His Honour Judge William Taylor to be Chairman of its Board of Governors |url=https://www.myscience.org/news/wire/plymouth_university_appoints_his_honour_judge_william_taylor_be_chairman_its_board_governors-2012-plymouth |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=myScience |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2014, Taylor suspended Wendy Purcell, the University's vice-chancellor, following complaints about her conduct.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-28118405|title=University chancellor suspended|date=2 July 2014|publisher=|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Wendy Purcell ceased employment at Plymouth University from December 31, 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-02-06 |title=Plymouth University boss Wendy Purcell gets £125,000 pay-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-35505076 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Taylor stepped down from the University Board in September 2014<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/update/2014-09-30/plymouth-universitys-board-of-governors-chairman-resigns/|title=Plymouth University's board of governors' chairman stands down|website=itv.com}}</ref> follow allegations made against Taylor that he had sexually harassed female students and members of staff, which he denied.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-08-21 |title=Plymouth University boss steps aside to fight sex harassment claims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-28884686 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2014 |title=Concerns about Plymouth University chairman predate current crisis |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/concerns-about-plymouth-university-chairman-predate-current-crisis/2015437.article |access-date=2020-07-06 |website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-23 |title=Plymouth University boss William Taylor 'kissed student reps' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-29243379 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Purcell was later re-employed and appointed to a newly created role of president with compensation for loss of office.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 February 2016 |title=University boss given £125k pay-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-35505076 |access-date=2020-07-06 |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 April 2015 |title=Wendy Purcell is still paid top salary |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/wendy-purcell-is-still-paid-top-salary/2019425.article |access-date=2020-07-06 |website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref>

In July 2014, Taylor suspended Wendy Purcell, the University's vice-chancellor, following complaints about her conduct.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-28118405|title=University chancellor suspended|date=2 July 2014|publisher=|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Wendy Purcell ceased employment at Plymouth University from 31 December 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-02-06 |title=Plymouth University boss Wendy Purcell gets £125,000 pay-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-35505076 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Taylor stepped down from the University Board in September 2014<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/update/2014-09-30/plymouth-universitys-board-of-governors-chairman-resigns/|title=Plymouth University's board of governors' chairman stands down|website=itv.com}}</ref> follow allegations made against Taylor that he had sexually harassed female students and members of staff, which he denied.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-08-21 |title=Plymouth University boss steps aside to fight sex harassment claims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-28884686 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2014 |title=Concerns about Plymouth University chairman predate current crisis |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/concerns-about-plymouth-university-chairman-predate-current-crisis/2015437.article |access-date=2020-07-06 |website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-23 |title=Plymouth University boss William Taylor 'kissed student reps' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-29243379 |access-date=2025-07-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Purcell was later re-employed and appointed to a newly created role of president with compensation for loss of office.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 February 2016 |title=University boss given £125k pay-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-35505076 |access-date=2020-07-06 |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 April 2015 |title=Wendy Purcell is still paid top salary |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/wendy-purcell-is-still-paid-top-salary/2019425.article |access-date=2020-07-06 |website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref>

== References ==

== References ==

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