Taxi Driver Online

Man appears in court over fake taxi kidnap case

A man has appeared at court having been charged with kidnap offences after a woman was driven away by a person pretending to be a taxi driver.

Grant McCluskey, 37, was arrested following an incident where a driver claiming to provide a taxi service had picked up a man and a woman at Riverside Road in Norwich.

The male passenger was asked to withdraw cash for the fare at a cash point on Plumstead Road, Norwich, but the driver drove off with just the female passenger and police were alerted.

Officers were called at 5.10am on Saturday (May 21) and traced the vehicle to a car park on Pilling Park Road where the woman was found to be safe at 6.15am.

McCluskey, of Cedar Road, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court via videolink on Monday (May 23) having been charged with kidnap, kidnap with an intent to commit a sexual offence and administering a substance with intent to overpower following the incident on Saturday.

The case was formally sent to Norwich Crown Court on June 20.

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IDFIMH

This GMP press release was in quite a few news outlets yesterday, and sounds vaguely similar to the above, although doesn't look like the perp managed to get the woman into his car.

But apart from saying that he 'pretended to be a taxi driver', there's nothing other than that, and it's not even clear if there was a vehicle involved.


Appeal following attempt sexual assault in Manchester

https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater- ... anchester/

Detectives are appealing for information following an attempt sexual assault in Manchester last night (21 May 2022).

Officers were called just before 11.15pm to a report of an attempted sexual assault on a woman at Platt Fields Park on Wilmslow Road.

A woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a taxi driver and followed him before she was pulled into some bushes before raising the alarm with passers-by that he’d attempted to assault her. He ran away from the scene towards Yew Tree Road and enquiries are on-going to trace him.

A man officers are keen to speak to is described as an Asian male, in his 30s, with short, dark cropped hair and short, dark full beard wearing a black coat.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Norman, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “We’re aware this will no doubt raise concerns in the community and those who attended the music event nearby but I would like to reassure them that we have a number officers carrying out an investigation and there are increased patrols in the area.

“This was a horrific attack on a woman who thankfully managed to raise the alarm but has been left extremely shook up and is receiving the support she needs. No woman should have such an incident happen to them and all women should feel safe which is why violence against women and girls is one of GMP’s top priorities.

“A team of detectives are currently pursuing all immediate lines of enquiry and we’re now appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may assist us. We want to bring the man responsible to justice and we can do this by hearing from anyone who may have information.

“Those with information or anyone who may have seen the male described is asked to report it to us by calling 0161 856 6051 or report it online or via LiveChat www.gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a top priority and the force remains committed to making the region a safer place for women and girls. In March 2022, GMP launched its Plan on a Page on how it plans to tackle VAWG which can be viewed here: violence-against-women-and-girls-plan-on-a-page.pdf (gmp.police.uk)