A black cab driver has been jailed for 10 years after sexually assaulting two women who both fell asleep in his cab.

David Perry, 52, of Gayton House, Bow, who will also serve another five years on licence, admitted assaulting the women during two separate incidents – one near Glebelands Avenue, South Woodford in May last year, and the other in Calabria Road, Highbury, in January 2013.

Both incidents involved women in their 20s getting into Perry’s cab in the early hours of the morning after they had been out socialising to find Perry assaulting them when they woke up.

He pleaded guilty 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.

DNA evidence from a police investigation linked the two offences, but did not match any existing profiles on the police database.

In August last year, a black cab registered to Perry was identified by police as a vehicle of interest.

He was then arrested and charged.

Det Ch Insp Samantha Price, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Perry’s sentence reflects his crimes and I am pleased that he will now serve a lengthy prison sentence.

“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.

“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 who thinks they may have been raped or assaulted by Perry to call them on 020 8217 6446.