Moses Traore: Former Geraldton Associated Taxi driver who exposed himself to drunk passenger handed order

A former taxi driver who exposed himself in front of a heavily intoxicated passenger and tried to kiss her has been slapped with a court order this week. Moses Traore, 54, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court for sentencing on Monday after pleading guilty to unlawful and indecent dealing and stealing. The court was told Traore was an employee at Geraldton Associated Taxis when he picked up a “very drunk” 54-year-old woman on March 1, exposing his genitals and going through her handbag. Traore was asked to wait at an address while the woman went inside and waited about 10 minutes before, the court heard, she returned looking “visibly stressed” and sat in the taxi talking about her relationship issues. The court was told Traore exposed his genitals above his waistband for about 14 minutes before rubbing the woman’s thigh and attempting to kiss her. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul Burkinshaw said the woman was intoxicated and said she did not recognise his actions. Traore is also accused of going through the woman’s handbag and stealing one cigarette. Defence lawyer Eva Svanberg said Traore was trying to comfort the passenger because she was upset but he accepted he went too far and felt ashamed and embarrassed hearing the facts. Ms Svanberg said the woman made comments she was suicidal and Traore — who was not a smoker — went through the bag to remove anything that could harm her. She said Traore had obtained other casual work since the incident and stopped drinking alcohol. Magistrate Angus Hockton said Traore was in a position of trust and the woman was a vulnerable passenger. “As a taxi driver, you exposed yourself to a very drunk female passenger,” he said. Traore was handed a nine-month intensive supervision order and was spared community service work.