Sentencing of taxi driver who sexually assaulted woman adjourned for medical reasons

The sentencing of a taxi driver who sexually assaulted a late night passenger after she fell asleep in his car has been adjourned due to medical reasons.

The woman woke up to find Gerard Gunnery Snr (60) with his hand inside her while masturbating himself. He then became aggressive and threw her out of the car, leaving her in a heap on the side of the road, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.

Gunnery of Ellenfield Road, Whitehall, Dublin pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the woman in Dublin city on December 23, 2017.

Gunnery, who was remanded in custody pending sentencing, had been due to be sentenced on Friday last, but was not produced to the court by the prison service.

On Monday, counsel for the defence told the court that they had no information as to why their client was not produced for the sentencing hearing, but said they believed their client may have a hospital appointment.

Judge Karen O'Connor said that as a result of medical reasons which had previously been outlined to the court, she was adjourning the matter for finalisation to January 29, next.

The court also heard that since details of Gunnery's offending were published his son has been threatened and had his car vandalised. Judge O'Connor asked that reports should distinguish between Gunnery Snr and his son.

Download the Sunday World app

Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices

Online Editors