A cab driver who drove a drunk customer to a beach and raped her has been imprisoned.
Before waiting about Sunderland city centre, Ian Phillips disabled his in-car camera and clocked out from his duty in the early hours of February 12 last year.
The victim had split off from her circle of companions and was driven into Phillips’ car by onlookers urging the driver to get her home safely.
Instead, predatory Phillips drove the woman to a nearby beach and shoved himself upon her.
Later that morning, the victim reported the attack; Northumbria Police officials quickly started an investigation.
Later accused of rape, 48-year-old Phillips of Noble Street, Easington Colliery
Although he disputed the crime, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty after five days of evidence.
Phillips will be subject to rigorous licence restrictions for a further five years after being imprisoned for twelve years in the same court Friday.
Along with a restraining order, he received a lifetime order to sign the Sex Offers’ Register.