AN Ealing cab driver has been convicted of attempting to meet a girl under 16 after grooming her.

Spyros Ntounis, 35, of Drayton Green Road, was found guilty following a three-day trial at Kingston Crown Court.

Ntounis, a private-hire driver, started committing the offence in April last year when he picked up a 14-year-old girl from an address in Barnes.

He engaged her in conversation, much of which was inappropriate, and gave her his telephone number in case she ever needed a cab in the future - but asked her to text him so he would know if it was her.

Near the end of the journey, Ntounis slowed down so much the girl asked him why. He told her it was so he could spend more time her. They arrived at the victim's address and she went inside.

Ntounis then sent several messages to the girl on WhatsApp, to which she replied. Becoming concerned about the interaction, the girl told her parents.

They blocked Ntounis's messages and informed police. Undeterred, he later texted her directly.

In order to get written evidence, the parents advised their daughter to respond to the texts, before blocking those messages as well. In the messages, Ntounis admitted he had realised her age. The parents also reported this to police.

Officers arranged for him to attend a police station, where he was cautioned. He gave a no-comment interview.

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Ntounis was released under investigation for enquiries to progress. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, however, a charge of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming was authorised.

He will be sentenced on a date to be confirmed.

Inspector Jas Sandhu, of the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: "Thanks to the actions of the victim and her family and the Met's investigation, a dangerous individual's actions have been stopped from going any further."

Siwan Hayward, Transport for London's Head of Transport Policing, said: "As soon as we were made aware of this offence, we suspended this driver's licence immediately.

“As this case shows, reporting any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable is very important. It will be taken seriously and, by working closely with the police, we will fully investigate all allegations, bring offenders to justice and push for the toughest penalties possible."

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Ntounis’ actions must have been very scary and threatening for his young victim. Even though he was aware of her age, he still attempted to groom her.

“She showed great courage in telling her parents about what happened to her and, as a result, he is now facing justice.”