Ian Taylor, the composer of over 500 classic Runescape tracks including Sea Shanty 2, has been jailed for the sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13. The 53-year-old admitted to the offence which took place last December, and was sentenced yesterday to one year and ten months in prison.
Taylor assaulted the girl in the early hours of December 21, with the abuse coming to light when the girl confided in a family member. Local reports describe Taylor as “appearing remorseful”, as he confessed to police upon his arrest, saying that he was “drunk” and “depressed” at the time. He is reported as saying that his actions were “inappropriate”.
Joining developer Jagex in 1999, Taylor was the longest-serving Jagex employee. During his time at the company, he composed around 500 tracks for Runescape, making up the majority of the original soundtrack. He also composed new tracks for the 2013 release, Old School Runescape.
In a statement to NME, Jagex confirmed that Taylor was dismissed from the company in March of this year, when the then-allegations came to its attention. Furthermore, the company commented: "We have conducted an internal review of the employee’s interactions with staff and any players he may have come into contact with during his time at Jagex. We have found no evidence that might prompt further investigation at this time.”
As well as the prison sentence, Taylor has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. His behaviour will also be monitored by police for ten years following his eventual release from prison.
As reported by the Cambridge Independent, detective sergeant Greg Stanley commented on the case: “I commend the courage of this young child in coming forward and speaking out. Without her bravery Taylor may have carried on offending. I hope this outcome brings closure for the victim and her family and allows them to move forward with their lives”