Cab driver tried to rape sleeping woman in Highbury
David Perry pleaded guilty to assault by penetration - Credit: Archant
A black cab driver who sexually assaulted a woman who fell asleep in the back of his taxi in Highbury has pleaded guilty to attempted rape.
David Perry, 53, of Gayton House, Bow, attacked the woman in her 20s in Calabria Road on January 27 2013 when he was taking her home from a night out.
She woke up to find Perry, who also pleaded guilty to assault by penetration, attacking her.
Perry, who has been a taxi driver for 25 years but has no previous offences, also pleaded guilty to sexually attacking another woman who fell asleep in his car in May last year in the Woodford area of east London.
He will be sentenced on March 30 at Snaresbrook Crown Court
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Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Price, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Perry, as the driver of an iconic black taxi, was in a position of trust. Sadly, he breached that trust by targeting women who he perceived to be vulnerable.
“Thankfully, those women came forward and reported him to the police. Today, I must praise them both for their strength and determination to see him brought to justice.”
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Police matched DNA from the two attacks in July last year and identified Perry’s car in August before arresting him at his home on August 14. His DNA was matched to those from the attacks the next day.
“Perry was a taxi driver for some 25-years and I must consider the possibility he may have committed other offences that have not been reported to the police.
“As part of this investigation we have made detailed enquiries into his past and eliminated unsolved cases from this enquiry. I would now appeal directly to anyone, who as a result of this case, thinks they may have been raped or assaulted by Perry.
“I would like to reassure anyone worried about coming forward that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and specially trained officers will be available to listen to them and support them through each step.”
Police are asking anyone who thinks they may have been raped or assaulted by David Perry to call them on 020 8217 6446.
