A man has been imprisoned, despite being declared unfit to stand trial, after Guernsey’s Royal Court found he had sexually assaulted a woman who he was giving a lift home to.

Guernsey Police said 44-year-old William King was acting as a ‘Facebook taxi’ – someone who is not a licensed taxi driver, offering lifts in exchange for money – when he picked the woman and a male friend up from town in April 2023.

Having dropped the man off first, King then drove the woman around the island until she fell asleep. When she woke up, King was sexually assaulting her.

Deputy Chief Officer Richard Bell said the woman “bravely supported police and the Law Officers in pursuing charges” against King.

The court process found King was unfit to stand trial, but the Royal Court heard evidence against him and found he had committed “the physical acts that make up the offences of sexual assault and false imprisonment”.

Confirming the outcome of the investigation and court process with Express, a spokesperson for Bailiwick Law Enforcement explained that the Court ordered that King be imprisoned for an indefinite length of time, and he has been made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

“Guernsey Police are committed to reducing violence against women and girls,” said DCO Bell.

“If you have been a victim of sexual assault we are here for you, and can offer support every step of the way.”

DCO Bell also urged everyone to be aware of the dangers of using an unlicensed or so-called ‘Facebook taxi’.

“Through the course of the investigation officers identified that Mr King had been driving around Town from 00:30 until 03:30 and concluded he had been looking for intoxicated women to target,” he said.

“The proceedings were heard in a public court, and so there is no restriction on sharing his identity. We have taken the decision to name him today with the support of the victim, to reassure the community that even in these unusual circumstances the police and law officers will rigorously pursue measures to protect the public and have done so in this case. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to commend the bravery, resilience, and commitment of the victim in helping us to pursue this difficult and important case as it went through multiple court hearings. 

“Please plan ahead if you are heading out for the evening, especially if consuming alcohol. If you need a lift, get a friend or a family member to pick you up, or use a licensed taxi.

“Please do not take the risk with your safety or the safety of others.”