Michael Keane

Former PNE Footballer Michael Keane Jailed for Sexual Assault

Michael Keane, a 42-year-old Irishman and former professional footballer for Preston North End (PNE), has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a 20-year-old student in the back of his taxi. The incident occurred in November 2023 in Dublin, Ireland, where Keane, who had retired from football in 2008 and returned to Ireland in 2015 to work as a taxi driver, picked up the victim from Dublin city centre after she had been socialising with friends.

According to details presented at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the victim had consumed some drinks during her evening out. During the journey, Keane significantly detoured from the intended route, driving the taxi to an isolated spot at Bull Island. There, he climbed into the back of the cab and sexually assaulted her. The victim fought off the attack by punching Keane in the face and demanded to be taken home. Upon arrival, Keane demanded a fare of €77.77, which the terrified woman paid to escape the situation.

Immediately after the assault, the victim texted a friend, who was waiting for her upon her return and took a photograph of the taxi and Keane. This evidence proved crucial in the investigation. In February 2024, Keane was identified as the driver and arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Initially, when interviewed by police, Keane denied the allegations, claiming the detour to Bull Island was because the woman was looking for a party. However, he later pleaded guilty to the charge.

Keane's background includes a professional football career starting at PNE in 2000, where he was part of the youth team under manager David Moyes. He signed as a professional and made 57 appearances for the club before leaving in 2004. The sentencing took place this week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, as reported by the Lancashire Evening Post on 11th April 2025. Keane has two prior convictions in the UK from 2007 for theft and assault causing actual bodily harm.

• Key Facts: Assault reported in November 2023; Arrest in February 2024; Sentenced to 2.5 years imprisonment.
• Source: Lancashire Evening Post, Chief Reporter Matthew Calderbank.

The case highlights the vulnerability of passengers relying on taxi services, with the victim's quick thinking in documenting the incident leading to Keane's identification and conviction.