Well the locations here are a bit odd for a start - address given as Middlesborough, but pick up in Newcastle 40 miles north, and happened while driving through Cullercoats another 10 miles further away from Middlesborough. (Of course, that's not to say he was living in Middlesborough when the incident happened.)
And slightly odd for the press to report on largely procedural stuff like this for a (relatively) minor crime.
Anyway, this makes it sound like the defendant's lawyer wanted a summary trial in the magistrates' court, but the defendant opted for the crown court trial.
Presumably because he thought he'd be more likely to 'get off' in a jury trial
(Or, at least, I'm assuming any crown court trial will be heard before a jury
)Taxi driver allegedly sexually assaulted passenger in his cab in Newcastle
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/no ... d-33266342
Malik Masood is accused of sexually touching the woman as he drove her home
A taxi driver has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in his cab. Malik Masood allegedly sexually touched the woman after he picked her up from Newcastle City Centre.
A court heard that the 36-year-old is is suspected of committing the offence on August 25 as he drove through Cullercoats, in North Tyneside. Masood, of West Lane, in Middlesbrough, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week to face one allegation of sexual assault.
He chose not to enter a plea and, instead, spoke only for confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing. Leeanne Pearce, prosecuting, said Masood was working as a taxi driver and had collected the suspected victim from Newcastle City Centre when he allegedly touched her sexually.
Mrs Pearce said: "The Crown would say that this is suitable for summary trial."
Kash Khan, defending, agreed that the case could be tried in the magistrates' court.
However, Masood elected for his case to be heard at the crown court. He was released on conditional bail, where he can't contact witnesses, enter a particular street in North Tyneside or be alone in a vehicle with a woman, until February 17 when he will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court.