Police are warning about the dangers of an unlicensed online taxi service after one teenager touting for rides indecently assaulted his heavily intoxicated passenger.
Chinese national Jun Lie Li (19) was sentenced in the Dunedin District Court yesterday to eight months' home detention and given a three strikes warning for indecently assaulting the 21-year-old student.
Li took advantage of his heavily intoxicated passenger after she fell asleep in the back of his car while he was driving her home on May 9.
Despite having only a learners' drivers licence with no passenger endorsement, Li regularly touted for rides on the ''Dunedin sober drivers'' Facebook page, a police summary of facts stated.
His victim fell asleep in the back of Li's vehicle while he was driving to her flat in Dundas St after he had approached her in central Dunedin about 11.30pm to offer a ride. The victim was unknown to Li.
He drove her to the grounds of Logan Park High School, climbed into the rear of the vehicle, photographed his sleeping victim's inner thighs and breasts, and then began to kiss her.
She awoke and attempted to push Li away and open the door, the summary stated.
Li held the door shut and then held his victim down while grabbing at her breasts and inner thighs over her clothing.
He unzipped his trousers, exposed himself and grabbed the victim's hand, forcing it on to him.
She continued to attempt to push him away and repeatedly told him to stop.
''Fearing for her safety the victim began to kiss the defendant. She then suggested that she could comply with his requests after she had the opportunity to urinate outside,'' the summary said.
''[Li] allowed the victim to exit the motor vehicle and she ran from the area.
''She dived into a nearby native bush and hid until such time as she saw the defendant slowly driving past, searching for her.''
She ran to her home once Li left the area.
Li offered no explanation for his behaviour when questioned by police after the incident.
Judge John Macdonald ordered Li to pay $1000 emotional harm reparation to his victim during sentencing in the Dunedin District Court.
Li was also disqualified from driving for three months.
Outside the court, a Southern police spokesman said the incident highlighted the dangers of using cheap, online, unlicensed taxi services.
''Police are warning those thinking about using the offers that it's not just about the price,'' he said.
''While those offering this service may be doing so at a cheap rate, members of the public using it need to be wary that this is an unlicensed and unmonitored service.
''Because of that, you can never be too sure of who you are getting into a car with.''
The spokesman said those planning a night in town should use a licensed taxi service or arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up.
''While this may end up being a little more expensive, and a slight inconvenience, at least you know you can trust the person behind the wheel,'' he said.
''Police understand that convenience is a big thing when it comes to the student population, but the safety of you, your friends and your family members is much more important.''
The police spokesman reminded those touting rides that they could be fined.
''While the service itself is unlicensed and unregulated, therefore making it unsafe and potentially illegal, police are unable to stop members of the public using the page to offer cheap rides,'' he said.
''However, those who are caught offering an unlicensed service risk fines of up to $10,000, while those who use an unlicensed service risk fines of up to $25,000.''
