Black cab driver admits sexually assaulting woman in South Woodford
David Perry, 52. Picture: Metropolitan Police - Credit: Archant
A black cab driver has admitted sexually assaulting a woman after she fell asleep in his taxi.
David Perry, 52, of Gayton House, Bow, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court following the incident which took place last year near Glebelands Avenue, South Woodford.
The woman, who is in her 20s, was picked up in the early hours of Sunday May 4 and woke up to find Perry assaulting her after she fell asleep.
Perry also admitted sexually assaulting another woman in her 20s in Calabria Road, Highbury, in January last year, after she had also fallen asleep in his cab.
The cab driver was arrested at his home address on August 14 and was charged the following day after police matched his DNA to both offences.
Det Ch Insp Samantha Price 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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Perry pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of attempted rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault against one victim and one count of sexual assault on a second victim.
Det Ch Insp Price said: “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.”
She added: “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 with any information to call them on 020 8217 6446 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Perry has been remanded in custody for sentencing on March 30.
