21-07-2025
Taxi driver charged with sexual assaults in Cairns area
Police are appealing for women who may have been assaulted in taxis or rideshare vehicles in North Queensland to come forward after charging a 72-year-old male driver with three counts of sexual assault.
Senior Constable Amelia Farrows said police believed there may be more alleged victims.
Taxi driver Roman Peter Galaska picked up a 76-year-old woman near Cairns Hospital on May 9, according to police.
They allege the Palm Cove resident drove the woman to a Manunda address, helped her inside and touched her inappropriately.
Police also allege that Mr Galaska inappropriately touched a 27-year-old woman before she got out of the vehicle at Woree on May 17.
"This type of offending is not tolerated in our community and police will investigate all complaints thoroughly," Senior Constable Farrows said.
She called for anyone who had experienced inappropriate behaviour or touching while riding in a taxi or rideshare vehicle to contact police.
Mr Galaska is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday.
