CRAWLEY TAXI DRIVER CONVICTED OF RAPE
Nizar Baccar, 31, a taxi driver from Climping Road, Ifield, Crawley, was convicted on a single count of rape.Both men were also sentenced after a week-long trial for the sexual assault of a woman by penetration, with Ben-Rejab alone being convicted of sexual assault.
The case concerned a brutal gang-rape involving three men against a 25-year-old woman in Fenchurch Street following a night out.
The woman had consumed vodka and wine before meeting a man at Bar Med, where she agreed to have sex at a nearby flat.
During the assault, a third man, who has not yet been apprehended, joined the incident despite her protests.
The victim was crying out and repeatedly said 'No.' The attackers penetrated her vaginally, orally, and anally.
At one point, Ben-Rejab grabbed her by the hair, attempting to coerce her into oral sex.
Judge Warwick McKinnon described the incident as 'dreadful' and highlighted its profound effect on the victim’s life.
He stated that the event had a devastating impact on her.
Evidence revealed that one of the offenders photographed the assault, and another suspect, Ahmed Farjallah, has absconded after jumping police bail and remains wanted.
Ben-Rejab, who is married and has children, was arrested following the assault and subsequently convicted.
He received a ten-year prison sentence for his involvement in the rape, which was committed as part of a joint enterprise with the other two men.
The court emphasized that the victim did not consent and clearly communicated her refusal during the attack.
The seriousness of this crime was underscored, and the court condemned the offenders’ actions.
The judge remarked that it was a tragedy affecting the families involved, and he stressed the severity of the offense and its repercussions.
The case documentation states: 'Despite her protests, the three men continued to sexually assault and rape her.' The victim’s distress was apparent, and the verdict reflects the gravity of the crime and its lasting impact on her life.
