CHESHUNT MAN JAILED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER PRETENDING TO BE TAXI DRIVER
Frank Manuel, aged 32 and residing on Cussons Close in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was found guilty and sentenced for serious sexual offenses.On the early morning of 30 April last year, Manuel falsely presented himself as a taxi driver and offered a woman a ride home following a night out in Hertford.
The woman trusted his claim, but he then took her to remote locations where he assaulted her.
During the attack, he raped her and strangled her, with police later revealing that Manuel would strangle his victim whenever she screamed.
The woman managed to break free and was discovered by a passerby on Ware Road, who escorted her to safety at Ware railway station.
An investigation connected Manuel to the crime when authorities tracked down the victim’s phone, which had been left in his vehicle, leading to his arrest at his residence on 2 May.
He was convicted unanimously on three counts of rape, two counts of non-fatal strangulation, and one count of sexual assault.
At his sentencing at St Albans Crown Court, Judge Donne described Manuel as a "sexual predator" and sentenced him to 18 years in prison, with an additional extension of two years on licence.
He was also issued a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, banning him from being alone with females outside his family unless he notifies authorities of his conviction.
The victim’s parents expressed their appreciation to those who supported her—including the helpful driver—and commended her bravery throughout the legal process.
Police officials underscored the gravity of the crimes and their enduring effect on the victim, with Detective Constable Jasbir Pawar stating that while justice has been served, the trauma caused by Manuel remains irremovable.
