21 Feb 2008
Sex attack cabbie jailed
A TAXI driver who indecently assaulted a woman when she fell asleep in
the back of his cab has been jailed for four years.
Karim Merali, of Dalston Gardens, Stanmore, picked up the 30-year-old
woman in Covent Garden, Central London, in his unlicensed taxi in
September 2002.
He agreed to take her home to Sidcup for £20, but she fell asleep during
the journey.
When she woke up, Merali, 48, was kneeling over her, but she was groggy
and could not see properly.
Merali drove her home, but the woman knew something had happened
because she had to adjust her clothing.
The next day, a friend persuaded her to call the police, and DNA revealed
she had been orally assaulted.
Merali was caught in 2006 when he was arrested for running an unlicensed
taxi. Tests linked him to the DNA from the assault four years earlier.
He was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday, Wednesday, February
20, at Woolwich Crown Court.
He was also put on the sex offenders register for life and banned from
driving a taxi.
DC Peter Thompson, of Bexley Police, who investigated the assault, said:
"Merali is a clear threat to women and the seriousness of this offence is
reflected in the sentence handed down by the judge.
"The victim has had to relive the ordeal from six years ago. She has seen
Merali brought to justice and knows he will be safely behind bars.
"I want to stress that we will investigate all allegations of indecent and
sexual assault. Even if they are unsolved at the time, they are not forgotten."
Source: Harrow Times
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