UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS -- The friend of a University Heights woman who was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver is sharing her story as a warning for everyone.
Because of the nature of the crime, we are not identifying either woman.
The victim is a John Carroll University student who sued, reached a settlement with Uber, and is bound by a confidentiality agreement.
So it's her friend who is sharing the story, as the one who was with the victim that fateful night two years ago.
"She was hysterically crying and couldn't speak," recalls the friend about that night in April 2016. "I just sat with her and tried to comfort her the best I could."
The JCU freshman was out with her friends at a bar in the Coventry district of Cleveland Heights. She wanted to leave early, so she hailed an Uber ride. The young woman got in the front passenger seat of the Uber car. The next 30 minutes would become life-changing horror.
"She mentioned even pushing him away, but the ride took longer than expected, but he wouldn't stop," the friend recalls the victim telling her.
According to court records, the Uber driver, 62-year old Kristaq Shipcka, pleaded guilty to abduction and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He was sentenced to 2 years probation, also known as community control.
However, less than 2 months after sentencing, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Brian Corrigan allowed Shipcka to board a ship -- for a Caribbean cruise.
"Wow," said the victim's friend upon hearing that information. "He got off easy for what he did to her, and how he affected her -- not just in that time -- but the rest of her life. If they're going to show that you're not getting this much punishment for what happened, then anyone's going to do it, and not worry about it," she said.
The Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas issued a statement:
"Since this remains an active case, we cannot comment. Generally, however, if a person under community control sanctions requests to travel out of the jurisdiction, Judges weigh a number of factors."
Last week, a Summit County jury convicted Uber driver Brandon Franklin of sexual battery of a passenger. An Uber spokesperson said the company is improving safety, including more background checks, and adding shared GPS tracking and a 911 button on the app.
But the friend is sharing the victim's story, with her blessing, to share the lessons that were learned.
"Be skeptical, be careful, and always stay with friends. If you do find yourself alone, get help right way either calling a friend or calling the police and getting out of the situation as soon as possible," she said.
"And always sit in the back seat."