Woman raped and 'abducted' by taxi driver in 'horrendous' attackhttps://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... r-33891823
A taxi driver ‘abducted’ and raped a vulnerable woman after picking her up from a nightclub in Manchester city centre.
Muhammad Nasir, 40, had logged off from his taxi system meaning he was not legally allowed to pick up any passengers. Despite this, he parked up outside Chinawhite nightclub on Deansgate and picked up his victim, then a 20-year-old university student.
Instead of driving her home, he drove in the opposite direction and ended up in Chorlton. She had been on the phone to her mother when she left the club at 2am. Her mum expected her to be home 20 minutes later, but she did not arrive back until just before 5.30am.
It was some time during this period that she was raped by Nasir. He denied wrongdoing, variously claiming they had engaged in consensual sex and that the victim had sexually assaulted him.
But a jury at Manchester Crown Court found Nasir guilty of rape and he was today (May 5) handed an extended sentence for public protection.
“This was an horrendous incident in which I am satisfied, to the criminal standard, that you deliberately picked up a clearly drunken lone female with the intention of taking sexual advantage of her,” Judge Suzanne Goddard KC told Nasir. “I regard you as a dangerous and predatory sex offender.
“This case highlights the dangers for females taking journeys in vehicles or taxis late at night which have not been officially booked through the proper channels, even though they may be displaying private hire signage.” Nasir, of Stockport Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and an extra four years on licence.
The victim bravely addressed the court during the sentencing hearing, detailing the impact of Nasir’s crime which occurred almost five years ago.
She said: “The direct result of one person’s actions has had a profound impact on me, even from the very beginning. The offender was a taxi driver, someone whose job is to keep passengers safe.
“Instead, he took advantage of my vulnerability and the trust I placed in him and essentially, he abducted me. That betrayal has stayed with me and shaped much of the fear and instability I have felt since.
“The main reason I am here today is for those people who are unable to get justice served. I want to do this for those who are not heard, which I have learnt is many during the four-and-a-half years.”
The victim continued: “This once defined me, but today it does not. I am able to do this because I was believed.
“I am standing here today because I want justice to be served. I want my voice to be heard, not only to show the unwavering harm that has been caused to myself and my loved ones but also to show that I no longer feel defined by this assault.
“Although I am in a better place now, I should never have had to go through any of this. I have worked hard to become the person I am today, someone who is resilient and determined, despite the challenges I have faced.”
Prosecuting, Nicola Carroll told how the victim’s recollection of her ordeal is ‘patchy’, although she has memories of being raped and abused by Nasir. The woman’s bank card was used in Chorlton to withdraw £20, it was found. In total £70 was withdrawn from her account.
The victim did not immediately disclose her ordeal to police but came forward after confiding in her friend and her mother. Nasir, a father-of-three, continues to deny wrongdoing. He had no previous convictions.
After the hearing, Detective Constable James Adams, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Unit, said: “This was a truly heinous crime, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary strength and bravery shown by the survivor throughout this process. Coming forward, remaining engaged for more than four years and then choosing to raise awareness for others takes immense courage. Her determination to ensure that what happened to her does not define her is remarkable.
“Rape is one of the most serious and devastating crimes a person can experience. The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of Nasir’s actions and the lasting harm they caused. Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate sexual violence in any form, and we will always work to hold offenders to account.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault, no matter how long ago, to come forward. You will be listened to, believed and supported.”
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