Courts / Dublin / Report
Former professional footballer jailed for taxi sex assault on student
Summary
Michael Keane, a former professional footballer aged 42, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually assaulting a 20‑year‑old college student while driving her in his taxi to Bull Island. The victim was forced to pay a €77.77 fare after the assault. Keane had previously been convicted in the UK for theft and assault causing actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty in November 2023, after initially denying the allegation. The court noted the victim's fear, shock and ongoing trauma, and that Keane had lost his taxi licence and was now on social welfare. Keane's lawyers presented testimonials from former club associates and family, arguing the offence was out of character and a one‑off incident. The judge imposed the custodial term without a suspended portion, citing the aggravating circumstances of the victim's vulnerability and Keane's role as a taxi driver.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former professional footballer jailed for taxi sex assault on student. Charges or matters: sexual assault in November 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2023 Incident
- February 2024 Incident
- 2025-04-10 Publication
Why: Keane initially denied the allegation when interviewed by gardai, claiming the taxi detoured to Bull Island because the woman was looking for a party, but later pleaded guilty. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: sexual assault in November 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Michael Keane has been jailed for two and a half years for the sexual assault of a college student he drove to a remote location in his taxi. Imposing sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said it was aggravating that Keane was working as a taxi man and the victim was in a vulnerable position. "People who use taxis are entitled to trust taxi drivers, thankfully most very trustworthy," the judge said.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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