Scott Layfield, 53, formerly of Paddock Close in Leigh, was sentenced at Southend Crown Court after being convicted of 26 child sex charges involving six victims. Sentencing judge Recorder Peter Clark described Layfield, who formerly ran his own taxi and chauffeur business, as “perverted” and “cruel”. Recorder Clark described the paedophile, who continued to call his accusers liars even after his trial, as “remorseless”. But the court heard Layfield had already told the probation service he planned to appeal and then move Thailand. The court also heard details of a seventh alleged victim – an adult woman – who had separately complained to police about Layfield.