Guernsey Police have shared the details of a Royal Court case to highlight the dangers of using unlicensed or ‘Facebook’ Taxis.
The warning stems from 2023 sexual assault and a complex two-year long investigation that concluded in Guernsey's Royal Court last month.
Police say they have the permission of the woman involved to go public with what happened, as a warning of the potential dangers of taking a lift late at night.
The court heard that the victim and a male friend had got into the unlicensed cab together. The driver then dropped the man off and drove around until the woman fell asleep.
She woke up to find the 'taxi' driver sexually assaulting her.
Police say enquiries led to the identification of the vehicle and the offender, 44-year-old William King.
The investigation found Mr King had been driving around Town from 00:30 until 03:30am looking for 'intoxicated women to target'.
The defendant was deemed unfit to stand trial, but the Royal Court said there was evidence that Mr King had committed sexual assault and false imprisonment, and he was sent to prison and handed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Guernsey Police hope sharing the details of this case, with support from the victim, will reassure the community that officers will 'rigorously pursue measures to protect the public'.
Deputy Chief Officer Richard Bell commended the bravery, resilience and commitment of the victim for coming forward and attending multiple court hearings:
He has this message for the Guernsey public:
"Please plan ahead if you are heading out for the evening, especially if consuming alcohol.
"If you need a lift, get a friend or a family member to pick you up, or use a licenced taxi.
"Please do not take the risk with your safety or the safety of others.
"Guernsey Police are committed to reducing violence against women and girls. If you have been a victim of sexual assault we are here for you, and can offer support every step of the way."
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