Taxi Driver Online

Rawtenstall cabbie sexually attacked passenger

A RAWTENSTALL cabbie who sexually attacked a terrified woman passenger has walked free from court, after a judge said she had to follow sentencing guidelines.

Shamraz Akhtar, 28, a married father-of-two, had groped and fondled the 23-year-old victim in the two minute journey to her home after a night out in the town.

She eventually leapt from the vehicle and ran home, where her partner was waiting at the door, Burnley Crown Court heard. Another taxi driver was arrested over the assaults but the defendant went to visit him at his home, apologised and owned up.

He was arrested but made no comment when questioned, even after being picked out on an identity parade. Akhtar, who claimed he had been aroused as the woman was scantily clad, received 26 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and 120 hours unpaid work.

The defendant, of Paget Street, Highfield, Keighley, had admitted two counts of sexual assault, on February 11. He will be on the sex offenders' register for five years.

Jane Dagnall, prosecuting, said at about 1.40am, got into the front passemger seat of the taxi and paid the fare straight away. She rang her boyfriend to tell him she was on her way and asked him to be be at the front door waiting for her.

As she finished the call, Akhtar held out his hand, as if to return the money and asked the victim: "Can you not pay with sex?" The woman was upset and angry. The defendant continued to drive.

Miss Dagnall said Akhar suddenly leaned over and put his hand down the passenger's top and groped her. She hit out and screamed at him to get off. The defendant then moved his hand to the top of her thigh and the woman was by this time very scared as Akhtar was not driving in the right direction for her hone.

She told him her partner was waiting and the defendant began to drive in the correct direction, but was slowing down. The victim jumped from the cab and ran home.

Catherine Hollins, defending, said his wife had left him, he had lost his job and he would not be employed as a taxi driver again.

Judge Lunt said guidelines for such an offence was for a community order. She said: "It may be that many people, especially women, will see that as ridiculously lenient.”

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IDFIMH

I've seen more lenient action by the police when the boot is on the other foot ie passengers assaulting drivers Personally I'd like to see their fingers chopped off be whomever they are

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Why didn't they jail him??

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Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

If you go to page 94 of the Sentencing Guidelines you will see why.

http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov. ... _4_web.pdf

It was the level of severity of the attack, which on the scale outlined in the guidelines is low. Their words not mine.

If anything he got more than the guidelines suggest.

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IDFIMH

shamraz him want plenty jigajig

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

didnt jail him let me see because he played the race card wonder what one it was

I'm glad you said that and not me.

_________________
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

deport him back to wherever asap

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most