Teenager raped after being turfed off bus because she was 20p short of the fare
A teenager faces a long jail sentence after being found guilty of raping a law student who was "turfed off" the last bus home because she was 20p short of the £5 fare.
Joseph Moran struck after his 22–year–old victim was left stranded in Nottingham at 3am last December.
Nottingham Crown Court was told that CCTV footage showed the student pleading with the driver for eight minutes before he turned her away, and none of the passengers who boarded the bus offered to make up the fare.
The woman called her mother and asked to be picked up, then began walking to save her mother driving around a one–way system.
Moran, 19, of Sneinton, spotted her, then dragged her into a park and beat and raped her. The court heard he panicked when he spotted a police patrol and claimed he had found her. He denied rape but was found guilty and was also convicted of wounding with intent.
Judge James Sampson adjourned sentencing until July 27 but told Moran: "Whatever the nature of the sentence, it will be a lengthy one indeed."
The judge added that Moran's victim was "courageous and bright young woman". Following the verdicts, jurors were told she had returned to her course and was due to take her final exams.
It was also disclosed that Moran had previous convictions for burglary and causing actual bodily harm to a female family friend. The court heard he had punched, slapped and butted the woman before he was restrained.
The rape took place last December. Michael Auty, prosecuting, said the student had been out celebrating the end of her law exams when she boarded the last bus home. He told the court: "The fare was £5. She had only £4.80. The bus driver would not waive the 20p. She asked him if he could wait while she got some money from a nearby cash machine.
He refused that request too. She was effectively turfed off the bus and left stranded at 3am."
Her mother had pulled up on yards from where the attack took place. She called her daughter's mobile phone twice and could hear a "grunting" before the line went dead. Passing police officers stopped to ask if she was all right, and she said she was looking for her daughter.
Within minutes, Moran ran to the police car. He told officers: "You had better come quick. I think a girl has been raped or something." He claimed that he had been covered in mud and the victim's blood when he tried to help her. The woman's injuries were so bad that her mother failed to recognise her. She needed extensive surgery.
After the hearing, Det Chief Insp Rob Griffin said: "Despite her lasting physical, mental and emotional scars, this young woman has shown the most tremendous courage and dignity, despite the many challenges she has had to face, and has played a vital role in securing his conviction."
A statement from the victim's family read: "The last six months have been a very difficult time. We would like to thank the police, the prosecuting council and the medical staff at the Queen's Medical Centre for the care and support they have shown to us."
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