James Gilbert, 26, originally from the UK, was working in the island as a bus driver. He admitted three counts of rape, two of sexual touching of children, and one of sexual assault, which all took place between April and October last year.
‘You have submitted three victims, two of whom were under 16, to five terrifying deeds. You have hurt them, they are forever altered and scarred,’ said Judge Catherine Fooks.
‘Children and young women should be free to catch a bus without being preyed on by a sexual predator trying to meet his own selfish needs, regardless of the physical and psychological harm.
‘You pose a serious and concerning risk to girls and women, and in sentencing you we are focused on punishment and protection of the public from the significant risks you pose.’
Defence advocate Candy Fletcher requested full credit for Gilbert’s guilty pleas to prevent the need for a trial and to avoid causing further distress to the victims.
She said he accepted full responsibility, expressed remorse for his actions and felt shame about his offending.
His remorse was reiterated in a letter to the court in which he said he felt ashamed and disappointed with his actions and that he had become a person he never wanted to be.
He acknowledged the pain that he caused will affect his victims for years to come and that there was nothing he could do to take that away.
Advocate Fletcher said her client had had a difficult upbringing but he was of previous good character with no previous convictions.
Gilbert was sentenced to nine years and six months for each of the rape charges to be served concurrently, two years and nine months for the sexual touching charges, to be served consecutively, and with a further six months added for the sexual assault.
He was also made subject of a 10-year extended sentence licence and a 15-year notification period.
Judge Fooks commended the bravery of the victims, particularly the young women for coming forward.
In response to the case, a Stagecoach spokesman said it would not be appropriate to comment further.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and colleagues is our highest priority and we take any concerns of this nature very seriously.’
