Eric Cox, 67, a convicted paedophile currently serving a 15-year sentence, has been handed an extra seven-and-a-half years behind bars. Cox was already imprisoned for abusing a young boy from 2011. Now, further offences from more than three decades ago have resulted in a new, substantial prison term.
Prosecutor Robert Meikle revealed that Cox exploited his position as a bus driver in south-east London to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable boy. The abuse began when Cox was in his 30s and was only reported to the police in 2020.
“The victim said he could not escape Cox but did not tell anyone because the abuse distorted his view of right and wrong,” the court heard.
Judge David Miller described the victim’s suffering as “severe and lasting psychological harm.” Despite the new crimes occurring before Cox’s current sentence, the judge ordered that the latest punishment run consecutively.
Cox must serve at least two-thirds of the new sentence before becoming eligible for release. This latest conviction highlights the serious nature of Cox’s offences and ensures he remains in prison for many years to come.
Originally published by UKNIP.