Taxi driver accused of sexual assault
File image for illustration
A TAXI driver charged on four counts of sexual assault against a regular customer was sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Naas Circuit Court.
Investigating officer Garda Evanna Harty gave evidence that she had officially charged the man that morning, and that “he made no reply to charge”.
She told Naas District Court recently that the injured party “uses this taxi all the time”.
“This was a breach of trust,” noted Judge Desmond Zaidan, of the alleged events on 22 September 2024 at a location in central Kildare.
The judge remembered the defendant and noted how he had previously made an application to the court for the reinstatement of his taxi licence.
“He wanted it back, but I wouldn’t give it,” said the judge.
“He had applied to the superintendent first,” said the judge.
“This lady always uses this taxi, and she said that at [particular location] he touched her on the vagina, outside her clothes,” said Garda Harty.
“He then hugged her without consent, then kissed her and inserted his tongue without consent.
“The injured party is 37 years old and was in the taxi with her cousin,” she added.
“This is all denied, and my client has entered a plea of not guilty,” declared defence solicitor Brian Larkin, as the book of evidence was formally served on his client.
“The injured party can be anonymised so long as this man’s innocence is presumed,” said the judge.
“You will be tried by a judge and jury next door, commencing on 24 April, and bail is extended on this morning’s sheets,” he added, before granting legal aid to Mr Larkin, and one junior counsel for the circuit court trial.
