A taxi driver who made sexual advances to a female passenger has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Jarreau Valentine Brown Rogers, 25, of Sandys, faced a potential five-year prison term for the offence, which stemmed from an incident on January 25.

Rogers was found guilty at a trial in April when Magistrates' Court heard that he picked up a woman and her friend from the 24-hour Esso City gas station at around 3.30 a.m. in Hamilton.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, requested that her friend be dropped off first in Paget before asking Rogers to take her to an address in Hamilton Parish. The taxi began to head east, but turned onto Harrington Sound Road rather than North Shore. According to the victim, when she informed Rogers that he was going the wrong way he allegedly replied: "When we get to your house you could take me upstairs."

The court heard in April that Rogers then pulled into a "dark driveway" – prompting the victim to once again tell Rogers her address. Seemingly ignoring the victim, Rogers then continued driving around Harrington Sound passed the Holy Trinity Church and instead of taking her home – he then drove her through Fractious Street.

The victim told the court: "He pulled over again and I told him, 'This is not where I stay. Take me home'. He kept saying, 'When we get to your house I will take you upstairs. My girlfriend won't mind."

Finally reaching the woman's actual driveway, she handed Rogers a $50 note to cover the $40 fare. "I'll give back the $50 and you can take me upstairs," Rogers said as he tried to hand her a condom, the victim claimed.

This week Rogers appeared in Magistrates' Court for sentencing for invading the privacy of a woman by accosting, and uttering words in a manner to cause alarm.

It is not known if Rogers has had his licence suspended, but speaking after the case, a spokesman for the Ministry of Transport said people applying for a taxi licence have their histories thoroughly checked for any potential red flags and if complaints are lodged against a person, they are dealt with accordingly.

"The Board does everything within its remit to ensure that all persons granted a licence to operate a public service vehicle are put through an extensive vetting process," said the spokesman.

"When incidents such as these occur, the Board does not view them lightly and makes every effort to ensure the person found guilty of an offence is brought before them and dealt with accordingly. This could range from a suspension of driving licence to operate or an outright revocation of their driving licence."

The Ministry also supplied advice for taxi passengers who feel unsafe or threatened while riding in a cab.

"If the customer does not feel comfortable with the driver, make every effort to exit the vehicle before the vehicle takes off. Also, keep their cell phone handy so they can make a call to someone who could meet them somewhere along the route and exit the vehicle sooner rather than later."

He added: "If necessary, don't let the operator of the vehicle know your exact address. Have them drop you off somewhere safe and well illuminated that may be close to your intended destination and have someone meet you at this stop if this is possible. And as always, call 911 if they have to."