LONDON

A black cab driver who sexually assaulted two young women who fell asleep in his taxi may have preyed on more victims, police fear.

David Perry, of Gayton House in Bow, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault against one victim and one count of sexual assault on a second victim today.

The attacks took place in January 2013 in north London and May last year in east London.

Both offences were committed in the early hours of the morning against women in their 20s who had been out socialising before getting into Perry's cab and falling asleep. When they woke up they each found him assaulting them in the two attacks.

Police linked DNA from both crimes to the same offender but it did not match any existing profiles on the database.

In August last year the black London taxi registered to Perry was identified as a vehicle of interest.

The 52-year-old, who has no previous convictions, was arrested and his DNA was matched to both attacks.

Perry has been a cab driver for 25 years and police appealed for any other potential victims to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Price said: "Perry, as the driver of an iconic black taxi, was in a position of trust. Sadly, he breached that trust by targeting women who he perceived to be vulnerable.

"Thankfully, those women came forward and reported him to the police. Today, I must praise them both for their strength and determination to see him brought to justice.

"Perry was a taxi driver for some 25 years and I must consider the possibility he may have committed other offences that have not been reported to the police.

"As part of this investigation we have made detailed enquiries into his past and eliminated unsolved cases from this enquiry.

"I would now appeal directly to anyone, who as a result of this case, thinks they may have been raped or assaulted by Perry.

"I would like to reassure anyone worried about coming forward that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and specially trained officers will be available to listen to them and support them through each step."

Perry pleaded guilty on what would have been the first day of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London.

He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing next month.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/black-cab-driver-admits-sexually-assaulting-women-who-fell-asleep-in-the-back-of-his-taxi-10019253.html