A Portmore taxi operator who diverted with a female passenger, robbed and raped her, was sentenced to nine years hard labour yesterday.

He is Kevaughn Blake, 25, of a Portmore address in St Catherine.

The Crown led evidence that on the day in question, in October 2006, Blake was driving a taxi from Portmore to Spanish Town.

It was revealed in court that he was in the company of another person when he picked up the complainant. However, when the vehicle reached a section of the Dunbeholden main road he diverted into a nearby cane field.

Both men robbed the passenger of cash and Blake then raped her. A report was made and he was subsequently charged by the police.

His accomplice is still at large and is being sought by the St Catherine South police.