A former taxi driver who made a sickening proposition to a 15-year-old boy has avoided prison.
Christopher Hilling, 64, originally from Burnham, admitted to engaging a child in sexual activity at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 8 August.
The court heard how Hilling had offered the boy lifts in his taxi and personal car between September and November 2022.
During one journey, the depraved driver asked the teenager if he was "willing to sell his body".
Despite the boy cutting ties with Hilling, the taxi driver continued to contact him via WhatsApp, offering money in exchange for sexual activity.
Hilling was arrested and initially denied attempting to groom the victim, but later pleaded guilty to inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.
He was handed a 16-month suspended jail sentence, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a five-year restraining order.
He was also ordered to pay back £500 in costs.
Detective Constable Megan Evans said: “Hilling’s attempts to groom this boy were persistent and manipulative.
“I must commend this victim who has remained patient and strong throughout this investigation.
“Protecting vulnerable children is a priority and we will always act quickly to ensure that harmful perpetrators are brought before the courts.”
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