Officers charge a 72-year-old Palm Cove man with alleged taxi and rideshare assaults

A man has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly using his taxi and rideshare job in Greater Cairns to inappropriately touch passengers, as police appeal to the public for more information.

The man has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and is expected to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on July 24. Picture: iStock.

A man has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly using his taxi and rideshare job to inappropriately touch passengers, as police appeal to the public for more information.

Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch officers allege the two known incidents happened on May 9 and May 17, with both occurring in the greater Cairns area.

Officers alleged a 72-year-old Palm Cove man was driving a taxi and picked up a elderly woman near Cairns Hospital on May 9.

The man allegedly drove her to a Manunda address, where he allegedly touched her inappropriately before helping her inside her residence.

Cairns Criminal Investigation Senior Constable Amelia Farrows said this alleged behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated.

The man allegedly drove her to a Manunda address, where he allegedly touched her inappropriately before helping her inside her residence. Picture: iStock.

“This type of offending is not tolerated in our community, and police will investigate all complaints thoroughly,” she said.

It is further alleged the Palm Cover man, was operating a rideshare vehicle in the early hours on May 17 when he allegedly inappropriately touched a 27-year-old female passenger as the vehicle arrived at a Woree address.

“Due to the nature of the offending, we believe there may be further alleged victims who have experienced inappropriate behaviour or touching while riding in a taxi or rideshare,” Senior Constable Farrows said.

A man has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly using his taxi and rideshare job to inappropriately touch passengers, as police appeal to the public for more information. Picture: iStock.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have further information about the man to come forward.

“We encourage you to contact police if you have information,” she said.

The man has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and is expected to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on July 24.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

You can also report online, over the phone or face to face at a police station.

There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on the situation.

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

Originally published as Officers charge a 72-year-old Palm Cove man with alleged taxi and rideshare assaults