London: Black cab driver David Perry jailed for sexual assaults on sleeping female passengers

London black cab driver David Perry has been jailed for 10 years for a slew of sex offences against female passengers who fell asleep in his taxi.

The 52-year-old, of Gayton House in Bow, east London - who had been a taxi driver for 25 years -pleaded guilty on 2 February to one count of attempted rape, one count assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault against one victim and one count of sexual assault on a second victim.

The Metropolitan Police Service launched an investigation after the offences took place on 27 January 2013 in Calabria Road in Islington, north London, and on 4 May 2014 near Glebelands Avenue in South Woodford, east London.

The incidents took place in the early hours of the morning and the victims were both women in their twenties who had been out socialising before getting into Perry's taxi and falling asleep, only to wake up and find him assaulting them.

Investigators pinned Perry to the crimes after DNA evidence linked him to both victims. His London black cab was then combed for clues before he was arrested and charged in August 2014. As well as the 10-year sentence, Perry will serve another five years on licence.

Detective chief inspector 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.

"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.