Courts / Dublin / Report

Taxi driver in sex attack on late night passenger

Summary

A 60‑year‑old taxi driver, Gerard Gunnery, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a late‑night passenger in Dublin on 23 December 2017. The victim, who was asleep in the front seat, woke to find Gunnery's hand inside her and masturbating. He then became aggressive, demanded payment, and threw her out of the car, leaving her on the side of the road. She suffered bruising to her elbows, kneecaps and jaw. Gunnery's lawyers argued the incident was out of character, presenting testimonials of him as a hard‑working, good man. The court heard the victim's impact statement, describing fear, guilt and flashbacks. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded Gunnery into custody for sentencing on 11 December. The case is pending sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Taxi driver in sex attack on late night passenger. Charges or matters: sexual assault of the woman at place in Dublin city on December 23, 2017; the charge on the day the trial was next due to go on. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 23, 2017 Adjournment
• December 11 Adjournment
• Christmas Other
• 2020-11-13 Publication

Why: She said Christmas time last year was difficult because of her fear of drinking and being "in town" again. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report