Sex attack allegation: Taxi boss puts driver on hold

Alex de Vos
Geelong Taxi Network has suspended a driver amid allegations he sexually assaulted a passenger.
Network chief executive officer Peter Valentine yesterday told the Independent the driver’s taxi licence was revoked on Wednesday pending the outcome of police investigations.
Mr Valentine said the network had also cancelled the driver’s approval as a driver for the company.
“While it’s disappointing to hear of any incident occurring, there is a clear message to all drivers, passengers and taxi-cab operators that any incident will attract close attention,” Mr Valentine said.
“It is pleasing to be assured that the partnership that exists between Geelong Taxi Network, Victoria Police and the Victorian Taxi Directorate is operating efficiently to resolve issues affecting the delivery of a professional taxi-cab public service in Geelong.”
Police are investigating the driver over an alleged attack on a 37-year-old Torquay woman on June 21.
Police said the woman alleged she was sexually assaulted after catching a taxi in Moorabool Street about 4am.
Police said the woman allegedly fell asleep in the taxi before the driver turned off Surf Coast Highway into Dickens Road, Moriac, where he parked the car and assaulted her.
The Independent does not suggest the allegations are true.
Torquay police Detective Sergeant Craig Blunt said investigations were still underway yesterday.
“The driver has been interviewed, a brief will be put together then an assessment made but he has not been charged at this stage,” Det Sgt Blunt said.