A FORMER taxi driver who asked a 15-year-old passenger if he was “willing to sell his body” has avoided jail.

Christopher Hilling, 64 originally from Burnham, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court today after admitting to engaging a child into sexual activity.

An investigation managed by the Chelmsford Criminal Investigation Department was launched in December 2022 following concerns around Hilling offering lifts to a 15-year-old boy.

Throughout the two-year probe, enquiries revealed that between September 2022 and November 2022, Hilling sorted an arrangement with the boy, to give him lifts in his taxi and personal car.

During one car journey, Hilling asked the victim whether he would be “willing to sell his body”.

The victim decided to stop using Hilling as a taxi driver, however, he continued to contact the victim on WhatsApp asking for sexual activity.

When the victim declined Hillings advances, the taxi driver offered him money.

Hilling was arrested and during an interview denied attempting to groom the victim.

He was charged with inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

After initially denying the charge, last month he admitted to engaging a child into sexual activity.

The 64-year-old appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today, August 8, where he received a 16-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, a restraining order for five years and ordered to pay back £500 in costs.

Det Con Megan Evans said: “Hilling’s attempts to groom this boy were persistent and manipulative.

“He has identified himself as a dangerous offender and this victim’s strength has ensured that he cannot harm anyone else.

“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.”