Taxi driver sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping drunk woman in Newton Aycliffe

A taxi driver has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a woman in Newton Aycliffe. The incident occurred in January last year after the victim had gone out with a friend.

The driver who picked up the woman after her evening out was 42-year-old David Greaves. Although the friend asked Greaves to make sure she got home safely, he took her to a remote cemetery car park and attacked her.

The victim woke up the next day bruised and sore and had no clear memory of the events. When he confronted Greaves, he admitted to having sex with her before eventually taking her home.

The victim reported the incident to police, which led to Greaves’ arrest and subsequent rape charges. He denied the crime and claimed the encounter was consensual. However, a jury at Durham Crown Court unanimously found him guilty.

In a criminal history report, Greaves was classified as a dangerous offender and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “As a taxi driver he was in a position of trust and on the night he raped me he had only one job – that was to get me home safely when I was drunk and not to rape me when I was too drunk to know what was going on.”

“He changed my life forever through his actions. I feel lingering self-hatred and disgust for what happened, feelings of worthlessness, lack of confidence and self-esteem, panic, anxiety and depression.

“I see danger everywhere and wonder who will hurt me next. I see everyone as a potential threat to me, which makes me extremely alert when I’m out and about. Sometimes I cross the street or change direction if someone gets too close to me or is following me on the street.

“I don’t think I’ll ever trust anyone again.”

Detective Constable Dave Taylor, of South Durham CID, who led the investigation, said: “As a taxi driver, Greaves held a position of trust – his job was to get people home safely. On that evening he abused that position for his own gratification,” he said.

“He attacked a defenseless woman who was too drunk to consent or remember what had happened.

“Consent means saying ‘yes’ to what happened. If you cannot give your consent voluntarily – for example, if you are too drunk to consent – then it is a crime. It is that simple.

“I hope this prison sentence gives him time to reflect on his actions and the damage they have caused.”

He added: “I would like to commend the courage of the woman in this case who showed tremendous bravery in standing up to her rapist in court.

“By pleading not guilty, Greaves subjected her to further trauma by forcing her to relive her ordeal in court.

“Her strength prevailed and her attacker was sentenced to a long prison term. I hope that this verdict will allow her to begin the healing process and rebuild her life.

“If you have been raped or sexually abused, please tell us – we will listen and believe you.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers to support you every step of the way.”