Activists criticise ‘disgusting’ rapist and taxi driver Raymond Shorten and demand government assurances on safety

Rape survivor activists have sharply criticised “disgusting” Raymond Shorten – the Dublin taxi driver who raped two young women in separate incidents in 2022 and was also convicted of raping a seven-year-old girl.

Raymond Shorten (50), with addresses in Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin and Rathfarnham, was found guilty in May of two counts of rape and sexual assault of a young girl in 2012.

Shorten had pleaded not guilty to the rape and anal rape of a 19-year-old woman on June 26, 2022, and the rape of another woman, then 20, a few months later on August 9. Each of the young women was sitting separately in a taxi after a night of drinking in Dublin city center and was raped by the driver, Shorten.

READ MORE: Taxi driver Raymond Shorten convicted of raping 7-year-old girl, days after funeral – victim describes horror

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The Central Criminal Court heard that Shorten was known to the seven-year-old girl’s family at the time. The woman, now 20, said she wanted to use Shorten’s name but maintain her anonymity.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh said today: “It is sickening to learn that Raymond Shorten, who was convicted in June of raping two young women in his taxi on separate days in 2022, has also been found guilty of the rape and sexual assault of a seven-year-old child more than a decade ago.

“All of these cases are absolutely horrific in their own way. The common thread is that Shorten exploited power imbalances to rape young and vulnerable people who trusted him.

“Shorten is a sex offender, but he was also a taxi driver who used his place of work to commit some of the sex offences of which he was found guilty. Taxis are an important and trusted means of transport for people, particularly at night, and it should stay that way.

“I think the public wants assurances from the government that the security measures put in place to keep them safe are optimal, resourced and working.

“I acknowledge that Shorten’s plea in all of these cases has placed an additional burden on his victims. They have had to endure the ordeal of a court process which can include cross-examination, witness testimony and delays in proceedings.

“The fact that there has been another conviction is very positive and welcome. We send our best wishes to the three young women who survived his violence and thank them for their courage in coming forward, which can be an extremely difficult, lonely process.

“Anyone directly or indirectly affected by this issue should know that the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is available by phone 24 hours a day. The national Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888 is completely confidential and we can help you explore your options at your own pace and on your own terms.”

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