A Westbury taxi driver, who was found guilty of the rape of a passenger last October, has been jailed for seven years at the Central Criminal Court.
John Ryan of Clonard, Westbury who is married with two children, had pleaded not guilty to rape and the sexual assault of a woman on October 17th, 2007 after he picked the her up in his taxi in Limerick City Centre. The 21 year old woman was returning home from a night out with friends.
The court was told Mr. Ryan had driven the woman to a secluded area where proceeded to sexually assault her. Defence for the 43 year old, who denied rape, argued the woman had initiated sex.
Speaking at today’s sentencing Mr Justice McCarthy told the assembly that it is fundamental that people who hold public service vehicle licenses are “completely trustworthy in every respect”.
People who these licenses are granted to are “called upon to be persons of good character,” he added.
He imposed a seven year prison term.
Justice was served in this case eventhough he should be serving a life sentence. How can a man violate a young girl in such a way especially as he is a father too. This story would make you sick to think that women will never be safe with people like him preying on innocent people.