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Cabbie admits raping passenger

Cabbie admits to raping passengers

A 58-year-old Perth taxi driver has pleaded guilty to raping and molesting five wheelchair-bound passengers.

Peter Edward Kasatchkow admitted the sickening crimes in the Perth Magistrate's Court this morning, where more than 30 sex offences were read to him alleging he preyed five different disabled women.

Police have said the women were seated in their wheelchairs in the back of the cab when he abused them.

Police began investigating the taxi diver, who has a background educational facility services, when a woman with cerebral palsy who was unable to speak indicated to her carers they should get his taxi number.

An investigation revealed he had raped and indecently dealt with her with footage captured on a taxi security camera.

After he was first charged he indicated in court that he would fight the allegations, claiming his first victim had "consented" to the sexual contact.

Since then, police investigations led to more molestation charges relating to another four women.

Today, Kasatchkow pleaded guilty to all the charges and was remanded in Hakea Prison.

He will reappear in court in June, with pre-sentence and psychological reports ordered for his sentencing.